Following a pandemic, bushfires, floods and more, the past 12 months has proven challenging for the Illawarra's emergency services.
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John Bourke said being a first responder during this time had meant he was deployed throughout the state.
"Last Christmas, over that two-month period, I was home for about four days," Mr Bourke, Illawarra aviation support co-ordinator for the Rural Fire Service said.
"Christmas Day was just at work, and New Year's Eve I was out in the field."
At Albion Park Rail RFS headquarters on Monday, Fortem Australia formally launched mental health support programs for first responder families in the Illawarra.
Fortem Australia is a not-for-profit organisation, providing early intervention and clinical programs free of charge to both first responders and their family members who were involved in the bushfires of 2019-20.
This is due to a grant program for emergency services workers, funded by the Department of Home Affairs.
Fortem's services for first responders and their families include well-being activities, psychological support and care co-ordination, and mental fitness support.
Mr Bourke has already accessed the programs, including attending a family day at Jamberoo Action Park.
"It's not just about the RFS members, it's about their families as well," he said.
"It will also help with the mental health side... (After the bushfires) we went straight into a pandemic.
"Just having the psychologist to use as well, it saves the hassle of having to go through doctors and get referrals and that type of thing."
Fortem's managing director and co-founder, John Bale said the organisation had formed last October, but Monday's launch was about creating greater awareness of their latest services.
He said the initiative had provided help to more than 200 first responders in the Illawarra so far.
"In a year like this, it's easy to feel like everyone's forgotten and moved on," he said.
"But we know it's vital to remember, to listen, and to work towards providing stronger support services not only for the first responder but for the family that supports them through all the highs and lows."
To date, Fortem have run several well-being activities in the Wollongong area, with many more scheduled.
"The services that Fortem are providing are a really good opportunity for our members to reconnect with their family during events and activities," Matthew Reeves, Illawarra district officer for the RFS said.
"Providing the activities that they do, and also the counselling and well-being services are just a good thing for our members to tap into."
More details: https://fortemaustralia.org.au.
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