Emergency Services Foundation

The Emergency Services Foundation are always happy to support research projects that provide more insights into what is needed to support mental health and wellbeing across the sector. Monash University is inviting partners of emergency responders to contribute to research study exploring mental health and wellbeing. Your involvement in this study will help inform future support systems and interventions tailored to partners of emergency responders to improve their mental health and wellbeing. https://lnkd.in/grbg_JYf

Grief is a frequent challenge for emergency services personnel, who face it regularly as part of their demanding roles. But is grief a workplace risk for our frontline workers? 🤔 Join us in our latest Courageous Conversation with the Emergency Services Foundation CEO Siusan MacKenzie as we discuss: 🌟The many ways emergency services workers experience grief and loss and how it affects their daily lives. 🌟 The programs designed to aid emergency workers understand the importance of mental health literacy. 🌟 The effects of global emergencies on workers and their resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Let’s shed light on these crucial aspects of mental health and support our frontline workers better. Head over to: https://lnkd.in/gg_uMnjX to catch this and all our other Courageous Conversations. 💬 Join the conversation and share your thoughts! #LetsTalkAboutGrief #NALAG #EmergencyServicesFoundation #GriefAwareness #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #FrontlineCare #EmergencyServices Emergency Services Foundation

ESF is delighted to have Irina Tchernitskaia, Manager, Psychological Services (Psychologist) at Fire Rescue Victoria join our Mental Health Advisory Group. Irina has a long association with ESF through the Learning Network and her extensive professional experience of working to support the wellbeing of people in the sector will be a valuable addition to the Group which focuses on clinical oversight of ESF’s programs.

Congratulations to our Better Together raffle prize winners! - 18 carat white gold, topaz, sapphire, diamond ring handmade by More is More – Winner Greg Dean - Sofitel on Collins accommodation and breakfast package – Winner Chennell Allan - Hawthorn FC signed jersey – Winner Tony Walker - Richmond FC signed jersey – Winner Maria Calati - Two magnums of Pizzini Prosecco – Winner Greg Dean Thank you to everyone who entered, the funds raise will go to helping ESF continue to protect those who protect us.

Thank you to all the emergency service workers and their families who joined us for the inaugural ESF Family Matters Expo prior to the AFL Emergency Services Match at the MCG. Our Family Matters Expo came alive yesterday. Families enjoyed fun kids’ activities, spoke with experts about mental fitness, connected with other families and were acknowledged for the role they playing in supporting our emergency service workers.   A big shout out to our amazing member agencies, ESF Family Matters Advisory Group, the ESF wellbeing team and volunteers who helped to make this day a huge success. We are so grateful to our catering sponsors who generously provided a delicious lunch: Rapid Relief Team Ltd (RRT) Australia, Dippin' Dots, LLC, and Sikh Volunteers Australia We would also like to thank our supporting partners Victorian Government, Gallagher Bassett, WorkSafe Victoria, and Officeworks. See you next year!

ESF was delighted to share some of the amazing testimonials to come out of the Residential Wellbeing program. Thank you to Blueprint and Duncan Shields, Ph.D., R. Psych. for your roles in developing and executing the program - ESF is indebted to you!

You are invited to a free SLEEP AWARENESS AND RECOVERY training session for Emergency Service Responders hosted by the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) and presented by FRV Acting Commander - Health Safety and Wellbeing, Matthew Nicholson. Hear about Matt’s findings during the course of his 2024 ESF Scholarship supported by Rotary, which enabled him to travel to the USA to learn from experts at the First Responder Sleep Recovery Train the Trainer Retreat in Colorado. The report is also available NOW via https://lnkd.in/ga5b2zR4 This event is for anyone in the emergency services with an interest in shift work and its impact on sleep. 💤 Thursday 19 September 💤 9.30 – 12 noon 💤 FRV Burnley Training Complex 💤 450 Burnley Street Richmond Please register for this event here https://lnkd.in/g33v6TKx

📢 Calling all emergency services volunteers! Emergency Management Victoria is seeking your feedback to improve how the Victorian Government communicates with volunteers. Please  complete the online survey below, to share your thoughts on what type of information is useful to you, and how you prefer to receive it. The survey is confidential and only takes about 5–10 minutes to complete. 💬 Have your say: https://lnkd.in/gWxUUBSc

Register now! ESF will be hosting its annual Mental Health Showcase on 11 October 2024! This event is for anyone with an interest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of people working across the sector. Designed by people within the sector, this bespoke event is not one to miss! Limited funded places are available for volunteers. https://lnkd.in/gZmKB2Kz

Separation is rarely simple or easy, especially for emergency service workers who often face additional challenges due to the potentially stressful nature of their role and shift work. The Benefits of Separation Support Services for Emergency Services Workers report from ESF and The Separation Guide seeks to understand how the mental health of emergency service personnel is affected by separation. Participants were clear on the type of support they hope to see from the workplace, recognising the need for an holistic approach addressing their emotional, financial, legal, and parenting needs to navigate this significant life event successfully.