Our partnership with Fortem Australia
We’re proud to let you know we’ve partnered with Fortem Australia because of the support and care they give to first responders and their families in a way that serves the unique challenges these families face.
What does Fortem do?
Fortem Australia is a not-for-profit organisation supporting Australian first responder workers, volunteers and their families by providing free wellbeing activities, community engagement and psychological services to support their mental health and wellbeing.
The need for Fortem
Across the country, first responders carry out crucial work, to protect and care for our communities, but this work can often be confronting, dangerous and traumatic. Our unique Australian climate and natural environment only amplifies this, with extreme weather events and crises a regular occurrence, we rely on the dedication of frontline workers and volunteers to keep people safe.
Unfortunately, research shows the first responder community can experience higher rates of:
- psychological distress
- mental health issues
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- burnout and frustration
There’s also evidence to suggest this stress can impact the families of first responders too.
What’s even more concerning is that over two thirds of first responders resist seeking support due to the stigma and Fortem is dedicated to helping change this while respecting the confidentiality of all its participants.
Fortem Australia exists to connect first responders and their inner circles to create healthier and stronger relationships and lifestyles.
The history of Fortem
Fortem Australia was launched in mid-2019 to help address the urgent requirement for mental health services and wellbeing support for emergency service personnel and their families. This need was only further exacerbated by the devastating Black Summer bushfires that took place in 2019-2020 and the associated trauma endured by the first responder community and their loved ones.
John Bale, co-founder of Soldier On – another not-for-profit organisation designed to support members of the Australian Defence Force and their families, recognised first-hand that veterans and their families benefited from mental health support and social engagement. This need was also realised for Australian frontliners and Fortem was born.
How does Fortem support first responders and emergency service workers?
Fortem provides evidence-based mental health and wellbeing support through a range of tailored services, including:
- Clinical Support Services – free, private sessions for first responders who work or volunteer with one of the organisations listed on their 'Accessing our services' page and their immediate family members.
- Wellbeing Activities – fun and social activities that are perfect to get a taste of what Fortem offers. To check out upcoming wellbeing activities, visit Fortem’s Activities Calendar.
- Transition and Employment Programs – support for first responder families to make the transition into life post-service. They can help with your next career move or post-service lifestyle through networking, interview coaching, resume and job application assistance and retirement support.
- Wellbeing resources – a range of free, downloadable wellbeing resources to support your health and wellbeing. These are also perfect for sharing with colleagues, friends and family that are first responders.
For more information or to access their services, please visit the Fortem Australia website or give them a call on 1300 33 95 94 during business hours.