Equine-assisted therapy supports first responders
Across Australia, first responders carry heavy mental loads, often quietly. Over the past year, Fortem Australia has been proud to support the Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation (ABF), formerly known as Brothers and Books, in making practical, stigma-free wellbeing resources more accessible where they’re needed most.
With funding from Fortem, ABF set out to establish small community libraries inside NSW Police Child Abuse Squad (CAS) offices – spaces where officers work daily on some of the most challenging cases in law enforcement. The goal was to get curated mental health, resilience, and wellbeing books as well as Fortem resources to support mental health literacy onto shelves where people could reach for them freely, without having to ask.
Through ABF’s delivery capabilities and partnerships across the emergency services sector, the initial support has been leveraged far beyond its original scope, reaching more workplaces, more families, and more communities than expected.
These libraries are small, curated collections of books designed to support mental fitness, resilience, and stress management. Placed directly into first responder stations and workplaces, they offer discreet access to wellbeing support without paperwork, appointments, or stigma. People can pick up a book, take it home, or share it with family members. It’s simple, human, and effective.
‘Fortem Australia supports the Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation because just one book can change a life. Installing libraries in fire stations, ambulance stations, and police departments puts life-changing books directly where first responders work’ said Fortem’s Director of Business Operations, Gary Sanderfield.
‘Reading helps restore minds, build resilience, and reduce stress during the moments our first responders need support most’ Mr Sanderfield explained.
Inside Child Abuse Squad offices, the libraries have become a quiet but valued resource. Officers and station leaders have expressed appreciation for the ability to access support in a way that feels natural and on their own terms.
‘I can’t thank you enough for your support of Child Abuse Squad (CAS) and the allocation of the libraries. The feedback I get from the CAS Units is that they love the libraries’ said one Detective Chief Inspector.
These responses highlight why bibliotherapy matters, how it helps normalise mental health literacy. Books invite curiosity, start conversations and help people make sense of what they’re feeling long before crisis points.
Alongside the physical libraries, co-branded social media posts and storytelling have helped broaden awareness of bibliotherapy among first responders, families and the wider public. This blend of tangible resources and digital education has supported a more open, informed conversation about mental health and positioned reading as a simple, credible tool for self-care.
Fortem Australia’s investment into the Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation (ABF) has resulted in 19 community libraries supporting first responder wellbeing across the country.
Because of the strong outcomes and the shared mission, Fortem is pleased to confirm that we will continue supporting ABF and their bibliotherapy work in 2026. We are proud to play our part in helping their libraries reach more first responder workplaces and families.
Sometimes meaningful change begins with a program. Sometimes it begins with a conversation. And sometimes it begins with a book placed in the right workplace at the right moment.
To find out more about the Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation visit: Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation – Home of Brothers and Books