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 secret sauce for transitioning first responders
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be the ‘secret sauce’ when transitioning out of first responder service into new career and life opportunities. Fortem’s Transition & Employment Program empowers first responders looking to turn skills and knowledge developed during
NEW in the Fortem Resource Library: Mental Fitness and Social Connection
Humans are social creatures. Connection contributes significantly to our wellbeing and how we feel each day. This social connectedness helps to protect us against the effects of exposure to traumatic
Group fitness sessions kept motivation high during lockdowns
With more than half of Australia’s population in lockdown, and with gyms and personal fitness sessions suspended across some states, Fortem provided a great way for first responders to remain
Fortem is excited to announce our first child Ambassador
Fortem is committed to supporting first responder families – which is why we’re thrilled to announce that our first child Ambassador has joined the team. We are particularly proud to
Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb – there’s still time to donate
The Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb took place in September, and this year it was a virtual event due to lockdown. The 2021 event has raised more than $200,000 for Fortem
Jess Grimwood: “I thought I was broken goods. But I’m stoked to do the things I enjoy again.”
This article mentions suicide. Fortem Australia’s newest Ambassador, Jess Grimwood, is no stranger to achieving great things. The ex-firefighter and former pro surfer started surfing in her childhood, before moving
First Responder Story: “Having a transition plan, that’s the key.”
“People in the future will be so grateful for these sorts of opportunities, to work with Fortem and be able to do those transitions a lot easier than we have
First Responder Story: “Talking about it openly really helps us all”
For Melissa, an SES volunteer in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, being a first responder is all about a sense of community. “With the SES there’s always a sense of
Fun and fitness for first responder families in lockdown
Fortem offered a mix of virtual fitness classes throughout lockdown, and a real highlight has been our lunchtime dance fit classes. Giving first responders an opportunity to (box)step outside their
The activity that inspired mindful, emotionally aware creativity
Gold Coast first responder families came together in a school holiday activity filled with opportunities to learn, connect and be mindful. The art activity saw parents and kids create a
First responder family story: “To have Fortem there for us is massive”
“We became friends first, and one thing led to another … we were married in 2003,” Doug says. “We were married in 2005!” Bec laughs. Doug, a NSW Police Officer of 15
Fortem Co-Founder a finalist in the 2021 Australian Mental Health Prize
Fortem Co-Founder and Managing Director John Bale has been named a finalist in the prestigious Australian Mental Health Prize for 2021. The Prize, now in its sixth year and established by