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Fortem will expand support to first responders and their families in flood-affected parts of NSW thanks to a generous grant from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR).
The FRRR awarded Fortem $22,010 as part of its Strengthening Rural Communities program which helps fund not-for-profit initiatives that empower their communities to be vibrant, resilient, sustainable places to live, work and invest.
The grant will help Fortem deliver Vital Links Outreach, a social connection program for first responders and their families in rural disaster-affected regions such as Wingham, Yamba, Casino, Bellingen and the recently-impacted Mid North Coast.
Fortem CEO Michael Willing APM said Fortem will work closely with councils, recovery networks, and first responder agencies to deliver timely Fortem wellbeing activities designed to strengthen social connections and build resilience.
“It’s often after the crisis and disaster clean-up, when life begins to normalise, that hidden stresses can surface,” Mr Willing said.
“This program will provide our first responder families in these disaster-impacted regions with dedicated events to come together in a relaxed, low-threat environment to focus on their wellbeing.
“I would like to thank the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal for this generous grant that will help us support more first responders and their families.”
Together with Fortem’s virtual outreach program, Vital Links Outreach is an important part of Fortem’s commitment to supporting first responders and their families across Australia, no matter where they live.
The first social connection engagements delivered through Vital Links Outreach began these July school holidays, allowing for maximum participation by first responder families.
Fortem’s social connection activities are underpinned by the Royal Melbourne Hospital 5 Ways to Wellbeing to improve psychological and emotional health.
