QBE has joined the Australian Red Cross and Save the Children’s 54 Reasons operation to form Kids Ready, Community Ready – a child-centred disaster resilience partnership.

The initiative brings together educators, students and community stakeholders to create a new approach to supporting children affected by disasters.

The organisations say support for children “across preparedness, response and recovery efforts often remains fragmented” and Kids Ready, Community Ready will address this by connecting Australian Red Cross’ disaster preparedness education with recovery and participation programs delivered by 54 Reasons, enabled through the support of the QBE Foundation.

“Children experience disasters differently, yet they are too often overlooked in preparedness and recovery planning,” Australian Red Cross emergency services lead Carolyne Doherty said.

“Kids Ready, Community Ready recognises that resilience starts long before an emergency and that children are not passive recipients of support. By equipping children with practical skills, knowledge and confidence, we’re helping build stronger communities that are better prepared for future disasters.”

QBE Foundation co-chair Julie Starley says the partnership combines complementary expertise to provide more connected support for children before, during and after disasters.

“Building resilient communities requires sustained collaboration and support across every stage of a disaster,” she said. “Through Kids Ready, Community Ready, we are proud to help bring together leading organisations to create a more co-ordinated, child-centred approach that supports communities when it matters most.”