For interest of members:
My name is Danny Staton, I am a former QLD police officer with over 10 years service and the current Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator in QLD for Fortem Australia.
For context, Fortem Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the mental fitness and wellbeing of first responders and their families. We work with state and federal first responder agencies, community groups, service providers and other not-for-profit organisations. The services that we provide first responders and their families include:
- Psychology Support, both in-person and via telehealth, for first responders and their families following the Black Summer bushfires
- Family resilience services including evidence-based wellbeing activities, community engagement and care coordination initiatives
- Mental Fitness and Resource Library – tools and resources to empower first responders to excel, grow and build resilience in all aspects of life
- Transition and Employment support, offering first responders and their family one-on-one support across new job opportunities or pathways to other meaningful life choices, for those who are separating from their current first responder roles.
In relation to the Transition and Employment Program - Fortem Australia is working with transitioning first responders and their family members to enable a smooth, supported transition into the next chapter of their lives. Our partners in this work are the agencies, the member, their family, and employers of choice who see the potential offered by engaging with the first responder community.
Within this transition program we also assist members who are exiting their agency by way of age retirement. This can be a very jarring experience and can be difficult for the individual and their families as they feel they have lost their identity. This is why peer support and those social connection activities you provide post retirement are so vital and appreciated.
Kind regards
