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Fortem Australia’s social connection and career management programs have been proven to boost the mental health and wellbeing of participants, an independent research project has found.
The detailed program evaluation was co-funded by the NSW Government and conducted earlier this year by Gallipoli Medical Research.
The Gallipoli team analysed client demographics, program themes and metrics, and overall program performance, finding the two programs were meeting their intended outcomes for first responders and their families.
Fortem CEO Michael Willing APM said the research project meant these programs were now evidence-backed, with demonstrated proof of the value they were providing to participants.
‘While Fortem’s programs have always been designed based on best practices and general principles, this research provides concrete data demonstrating the positive outcomes they are having on first responder mental health and wellbeing,’ he said.
‘This demonstrates Fortem’s commitment to using proven findings to guide program development and delivery, while also providing important insights for future strategies.
‘It also allows first responders, their families and agencies to make informed decisions about the benefits of these programs.’
Gallipoli evaluated the social connection program delivered between January 2023 and June 2024 and found it was ‘delivering strong social-connection benefits, trusted health gains, and exceptional participant advocacy’.
Fortem’s social connection program delivers a range of in-person and virtual wellbeing activities for first responders and their families across Australia which are designed to uplift, reconnect, and build resilience through shared experiences and meaningful social connection.
Some of Gallipoli’s key findings included:
- 64% of participants felt their personal network was strengthened by the activity – a key protective factor for mental health maintenance and crisis prevention.
- 89% of participants agreed their health and wellbeing improved through the activity.
- 93% said the activity improved their mental-health awareness at least ‘slightly’, validating the program’s educational value.
- 26% said they would be embarrassed about mental health conditions, which compares to 61% in typical first responder populations.
- 99% were ‘very likely’ to attend another activity and 99% would recommend Fortem to others.
Gallipoli evaluated the career management program delivered between 2021 and 2024 and found it ‘not only helps first responders land new employment or reintegrate with their agencies, but also demonstrably boosts wellbeing and earns exceptional client advocacy; confirming its strategic value as both a retention and transition tool across the sector.’
The career management program supports first responders who are seeking to review their current employment arrangements or transition from service. It aims to increase career resilience and boost wellbeing through individualised case management and career support, including resume writing, coaching, education and the identification of transferable skills.
Some of Gallipoli’s key findings included:
- 70% of participants achieve positive outcomes – either completing the program or successfully re-engaging with their agencies.
- Mean Personal Wellbeing Index scores rose from 66.1 (challenged) at entry to 75.7 (normal) at exit, an average gain of 9.6 points, demonstrating enhanced psychological resilience at a critical career-transition juncture.
- 96.5% would recommend the CMP to a friend or colleague.
The Gallipoli statement of findings for both programs can be viewed at https://fortemaustralia.org.au/gallipoli-medical-research/