Fortem’s wellbeing activities are designed to be fun, but they have a serious purpose: enhancing the wellbeing and mental fitness of first responders and their families through the lever of

As much of the country prepares for the Christmas holidays, first responders who will be keeping Australians safe into the new year are being urged to be mindful of their

Early in November, six first responders set off from Sydney Airport bound for the United States to represent Fortem Australia in the New York Marathon. Two NSW Police Officers, two

Fortem exists for first responders and their families. This is why we are expanding our services to reach more people in more places across the country. Here’s a snapshot of

“Monday 29 August saw me take up a position as a Zero Harm & Quality Coordinator (HSE Advisor) for an Australian & New Zealand Tier 1 Integrated Services Company. This

Fortem has brought the joy of social connection wellbeing activities to Western Australia! Recently, a group of first responders and their family members met at Trigg Beach to catch some

Fortem Australia is reminding the first responder community that support is available for those dealing with the trauma of the recent tragedy in Queensland.  Incidents like this have far reaching

Recently, Fortem Australia was delighted to accept a $35,000 donation from Toll Group to help the not-for-profit organisation continue its mental health support for first responders. Corporate support such as

Fortem Australia’s wellbeing activities are making a difference in the lives of first responders across the country, increasing social connectedness among the community in a way that is delivering mental

Fortem Australia is welcoming an announcement of $10 million in funding from the Albanese Government to allow the not-for-profit organisation to continue supporting first responders across the country. Prime Minister

As well as the difficulties that come with a decade-long career as a police officer, Vanessa also witnessed the death of her training partner while on a ride in 2010. She describes running and triathlons as her saving grace, ever since she discovered the benefits of exercise for mental health.

When the opportunity arose for first responders to run the New York Marathon, Queensland Police Officer Dan Wicks knew he wanted to be part of it. He had been selected as a reserve runner, in case one of the original four were not able to make it. Last month, he got the call to say that he would be on the plane with them.

Losing someone you care about looks different for everyone. As clinicians, we often witness people in their journey of loss and traumatic experiences. However, we are not always the experts. You as the first responder community are, regrettably, and too often, the experts on what it feels like to live with the loss of a colleague to suicide.

Susan Forte has always been a runner. It is something she has done since her early days of primary school. As a high schooler, she represented Queensland in track running and cross country at the Australian titles numerous times. In her own words: Running is her life.

At a launch today, Fortem Australia Managing Director and Co-Founder John Bale confirmed the ‘National Health and Wellbeing program’ will be rolled out across Australia and reiterated the importance of supporting first responders and their families throughout the country.

Since being selected for Team Fortem, Emma has experienced how supportive the first responder community has been. “First responders are very private people – you don’t share a lot with your world, and you don’t talk about it, you just keep it inside. This is the first time I have really been connected to other services.”

“I look back now and even though I didn’t think I needed any mental health support, doing that stuff with Fortem and keeping connected with other people and my family helped me even if I didn’t realise it was helping at the time.”