As part of its national effort to drive awareness and action, Fortem is calling on Australians to take part in Thank a First Responder Day on 10 June. The day coincides with the 10 Days of Gratitude campaign, which commenced on 31 May.
While the initiative has traditionally focused on encouraging Australians to say thank you, this year’s campaign aims to transform gratitude for first responders and their families into meaningful action.
Fortem Australia CEO Mick Willing stressed that new data regarding the cumulative toll of repeated trauma as a first responder highlights the hidden weight of life beyond the moment of crisis.
“First responders don’t just attend emergencies, they absorb them,” says Mr Willing.
“These aren’t one-off experiences. It’s the cumulative exposure to trauma, shift after shift, that takes a real toll.”
Australians are encouraged to leave a message of gratitude this Thank a First Responder Day, recognise a first responder who has made a difference in their lives, and support Fortem’s work delivering evidence-based mental health and wellbeing programs.
“Saying thank you is powerful, but it’s just the beginning,” said Mr Willing.
“If we want first responders to continue showing up for us, we need to show up for them too,” said Mr Willing.
For more information, please visit thankafirstresponder.org.au
