STORIES
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.
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
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
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.
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
