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.
The mindful art of basket weaving relaxes first responder families
First responder families came together to learn the art of basket weaving, which is a relaxing, mindful hobby that opened up new connections. Basket weaving is a very old craft
First responder families learn a new skill: horse riding through the bush
This two-hour trail ride was loved by adults and children from the Illawarra first responder community. Suited to all abilities, the tour leaders guided participants through the vast bush land
Centenary Trail Walking Group – December | Canberra Activity Wrap Up
Today we walked about 9.5km from the National Arboretum Canberra to Mount Stromlo. A slightly smaller group this time as people had started travelling for Christmas, but this meant we
Who knew that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was so good for you?
Recently a group of first responder families from the Northern NSW region had the chance to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Flow Martial Arts. Just like the last time the
First responders get a chance to wok it up!
Have you ever wanted to master authentic Asian dishes so you can wow your friends and impress your family? Or just enjoy a home cooked, healthy meal for yourself?! On
Family Story: ‘Christmas is the perfect distraction from the pressure’
We have two family members in the police force. One is a detective, who’s often on call over Christmas, and getting him to relax is hard. We don’t know what’s
Fortem Australia Launch – Illawarra & Shoalhaven Regions
Fortem Australia was proud to formally launch our Black Summer Bushfire services for preventive mental fitness programs for first responder families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Regions on 14th December
If memories of the fires are triggered this summer, here are three ways to look after yourself
When we experience a stressful or traumatic event, there are a range of emotions and reactions that can occur immediately and over the following weeks and months. These are natural
Catching the festive gingerbread spirit
Melbourne first responder families had a sweet day out, decorating their very own gingerbread houses for Christmas. The hot day added a challenge: the icing melted a little, causing a
Cooking class creates a sense of teamwork and togetherness
Before the cooking class began, chef and teacher Kelly gave an emotional welcome to the group, thanking these first responder families for everything they have done for our community. It
Fortem Australia Launch – Canberra Region
Fortem Australia was proud to formally launch our Black Summer Bushfire services for preventive mental fitness programs for first responder families in the Canberra Region on 11th December 2020, at
Family Story: ‘We’re celebrating Christmas two weeks early, so that my first responder partner gets a proper festive day’
We don’t usually celebrate Christmas on December 25th. My partner is a police officer, and it’s a really busy time at his work so it’s all hands on deck there.
