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.
Storms, Taipans and Funnel Webs – first responder families had a blast on the waterslides!
First responder families from the Illawarra region came to the Jamberoo Recreation Park to hang out with their families, and connect with new friends. They also came along to let
Ziplining above the animals on a family day out
Almost 40 members of the first responder community in the Gold Coast region had a great time at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The behind the scenes tour took the families
Reflections of community resilience, while learning to kayak
It was an early morning start, as first responder families took on the challenge of a kayaking tour along the beautiful Towamba River. This is a region heavily affected by
SUP on the Minnamurra River
First responder families came out to enjoy a day among the mangroves and spend time with family and friends, as well as meet some new people along the way. SUP
Family Story: ‘I rarely get a good night’s sleep, because I’m waiting for him to get home safely’
Sleeping has become a real challenge for me. I don’t get into a deep sleep because I’m waiting for my husband – who’s a police officer – to come home.
Connecting over a new creative skill: acrylic paint pouring
Ssshh! Don’t tell the grandparents, but they’re getting a beautiful artwork for Christmas from these Gold Coast first responder families. With two opportunities to make the perfect piece through the
Book Launch “Moral Challenges: Vocational Wellbeing among first responders”
Today Fortem Australia launched “Moral Challenges: Vocational Wellbeing among first responders”, a collection of experiences on moral challenges in the first responder community, edited by Professor Tom Frame AM, from
First responder families’ creative juices flow in resin jewellery workshop
The evening started with everyone arriving to the studio, in a gorgeous little coastal town in the Illawarra. Armed with an apron and safety glasses, each participant sat around the table
I work with first responders and I want them to know this: It’s time to start the conversation
When someone has PTSD, most people assume that one traumatic event caused it. Even the very definition and diagnostic criteria for the disorder would indicate that this is the case.
Jiu Jitsu: the perfect way for families to connect
The temperatures were soaring as first responder families arrived at the martial arts centre for their first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lesson. With plans to continue the family-time theme for the
First responders take to mindfulness in specialised yoga class
Fortem was pleased to offer a session of yoga designed specifically for first responders, in partnership with Frontline Yoga. The session, held online so that our first responder participants could
Smiles all ’round at the wildlife park
First responders enjoyed a recent day out with family and friends, meeting new people and taking in the sights of some furry critters. It was a great way to enjoy
