Community support hubs
Community support hubs (CSHs) are sometimes established to help people prepare for, and recover from, emergencies and disruptions in their area. CSHs are community-led and do not replace formal emergency centres.
Benefits of community support hubs
CSHs strengthen connections between individuals, community groups and services, councils, and emergency services.
These hubs help communities:
- understand local risks
- prepare for emergencies
- support each other when disruptions or emergencies occur.
The hubs build on the natural way people come together and self-organise to support one another, recognising that some people may need support, but others will be ready and willing to help.
When communities plan together and build connections ahead of time, they recover faster and more effectively. They also maintain a sense of control, which is important for wellbeing and recovery after an emergency.
Establishing a community support hub
LGA has developed a guide and supporting template to support communities to establish a CSH:
Community members and groups can use these resources to discuss local risks, define the CSH’s purpose and prepare practical arrangements before an emergency occurs.
Councils can use the guide to support conversations with community groups interested in establishing a CSH. The guide helps councils provide consistent advice on good practice, safety and risk management.
The guide can be applied flexibly. Councils may share it directly with community groups, adapt it into local templates or use it internally to provide consistent advice.
Find out more
For further support and advice, please contact:
Emergency Support
Email: emergencymanagement@lga.sa.gov.au