STORIES FROM OUR FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNITY
Fortem Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the mental fitness and wellbeing of first responder families. Every day, more than 300,000 first responders keep our communities safe. They are backed up by their families: partners, children and parents. All of them hold vital and challenging roles. We help them to be well, and stay well, through mental fitness, support services and wellbeing activities. These are their stories.
Magic amongst the Mangroves | Shoalhaven Region Activity Wrap Up
Another great wellbeing activity for Shoalhaven region first responder families, when they came together to try Stand Up Paddleboarding on the the Currambeen Creek. An opportunity to develop family bonds
Fortem’s social support networks build strong relationships for good mental health
People who have support from the people around them – friends, family and community – are happier and healthier. That’s why many of Fortem’s programs incorporate social connection, as we encourage the first responder
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, that’s who! | Northern NSW Region Activity Wrap Up
Another great wellbeing activity for Northern NSW region first responder families, when they came together to practice their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. An opportunity to develop family bonds and be active
A swell time kayaking at Byron Bay | Northern NSW Region Activity Wrap Up
Byron Bay, kayaks, sea turtles and facing challenges together! An exciting wellbeing activity was had on a Byron Bay Dolphin Kayak Tour with Go Sea Kayak for first responder families
Wild about wildlife at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Gold Coast Region Activity Wrap Up
Another exciting adventure at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for our Gold Coast first responder families recently. This wellbeing activity was an opportunity to learn about the history of the Wildlife
Walk, Snap, Explore | Illawarra Region Activity Wrap Up
A little drizzle didn’t stop our Illawarra region first responder families from enjoying the recent Walk, Snap, Explore wellbeing activity. It was a great way to be active and connect…
Kayaking Experience on the Towamba River | Bega Valley Region Activity Wrap Up
Another beautiful sunny morning – perfect for a family kayaking tour. A chance for a Bega Valley region first responder family to connect away from daily distractions and to do
Kayaking Adventure on the Towamba River | Bega Valley Region Activity Wrap Up
Kayaking on a peaceful river with the sun shining down and the sound of laughter or conversation drifting around you. Recently Fortem held a wellbeing activity for first responder families
Surfing and Mindfulness for first responder families | Illawarra Region Activity Wrap Up
Recently Fortem held a ‘Learn to Surf and Mindfulness’ wellbeing activity for first responder families from the Illawarra region, with Rusty of Gerringong Surf School. Our participants got to try
An adventure at the theme park for first responder families | West Gippsland Region Activity Wrap Up
Recently Fortem held an exciting wellbeing activity for West Gippsland first responder families at Gumbuya World in Victoria. We had a great turn out on a beautiful sunny day. The
Family Story: ‘Here’s what I do to help with the social isolation that comes with shift work’
My partner’s shifts are all over the place, and it’s very difficult to manage from a social perspective. It can feel quite isolating. You find that the close network that
Surf lesson and pizza for first responder families | Gold Coast Region Activity Wrap Up
On a sunny day in January, local first responder families bravely attended their first surfing lesson at Currumbin Alley on the Gold Coast. It was a great wellbeing activity that
