This Sunday, November 17, 2024, marks the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, an important annual event dedicated to honouring those killed or injured on roads around the world. In Western Australia, this day offers a solemn moment to reflect on the far-reaching effects of road trauma, not only on the victims themselves but also on their families, friends, communities, and the emergency responders who are there in times of crisis.
The theme for this year’s World Day of Remembrance, “Remember, Support, Act”, encourages all road users to reflect on their shared responsibility to keep our roads safer, and to offer support to those whose lives have been irrevocably changed by road crashes.
The Role of Road Trauma Support WA
In Western Australia, Road Trauma Support WA (RTSWA) plays a pivotal role in providing vital support to individuals, families, and communities impacted by road trauma. As part of this, RTSWA works alongside a network of organisations, agencies, and road safety advocates to improve post-crash care across the state.
To coincide with World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Road Trauma Support WA is launching its annual campaign Six Supportive Steps on Sunday 17th November 2024. The six-week online campaign helps people impacted by road trauma who are grieving the loss of a loved one support themselves or others during the holiday season.
The ‘Six Supportive Steps’ campaign uses actionable tips, and strategies, with each week focusing on one of six supportive steps:
- Remember: Remembering is an important step when supporting yourself or a loved one with grief or loss.
- Acknowledge: Acknowledge your feelings and emotions when you’re grieving.
- Plan: Plan for events or occasions that could be difficult for you or your loved ones.
- Act: Take action to find the balance between celebrating and quiet time.
- Support: Support yourself and others through grief by sharing feelings, memories, rituals and traditions.
- Take Time: Take time for yourself during the holiday season, especially if you’re grieving a loved one.
How can you get involved?
We encourage you to download the Six Supportive Steps Toolkit to begin planning your campaign activities. This toolkit includes social media tiles and posts, blogs and newsletter articles, eSignatures and links to useful resources.
- Share Your Expertise: Leverage your experience by engaging with us on social media. Follow Road Trauma Support WA on Facebook and X and share the supportive steps to reach others in your networks and community.
- Customise Your Outreach: Use the social media tiles and ready-to-go posts provided in the toolkit, or tailor your own messages to reflect your unique perspective. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #sixsupportivesteps
- Distribute Resources: Share the toolkit materials with your networks.
If you need additional support, RTSWA offers free, confidential, and no-referral counselling and information and resources for anyone affected by road trauma. For more information visit www.rtswa.org.au or call 1300 004 814.