Fortem Australia - First Responder Family Wellbeing
Fortem Australia is a national charity providing free evidence-based mental health and wellbeing support to the first responder community. The programs include wellbeing activities, psychology support, career management services and mental health resources; all designed specifically for first responders and their families. The aim is to promote resilience in individuals, family units and work teams as well as provide support when and where it’s needed.
The word ‘fortem’ is Latin for ‘brave’, meaning having the strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. At Fortem, this means having the courage to prioritise wellbeing, break stigma, start conversations about mental health and ill-health, address the deep impacts of first responder work, make difficult decisions – including the decision to leave first responder employment, and seek or allow support from loved ones and the community.