Looking After Those Who Look After Us
Unfortunately for the AFRF the journey is coming to an end.
Our members have determined that the AFRF will wind up shortly. A statement is available here providing further information. Thank you for your support.
Your generosity makes our work possible. Whether you contribute financially or as an advocate for good, you can make a real and lasting difference to the lives of our emergency first responders. Emergency first responders put us before themselves every day. The Australian First Responder Foundation, through you, gives back a little bit to them – offering opportunities to develop their wellbeing.
OUR VISION
Our vision is “A World with Responsive and Mentally Healthy First Responders”.
ABOUT US
The AFRF is a not for profit, charitable organisation powered by volunteers and donations.
AFRF Facebook
GET INVOLVED
We need to look after our emergency first responders so that they can look after us . You can support our work by joining, volunteering or giving.
OUR RETREATS
Mental health and wellbeing for emergency first responders can be achieved through adopting a proactive approach, building resilience and enhancing coping skills to stress and stressful circumstances. The AFRF FRESHER Retreats are designed to deliver this for emergency first responders. They allow time for support, learning, reflection and practice to reconnect, reframe and reset. Fully funded FRESHER retreats are offered throughout the year.
Find out more about FRESHER or obtain an application to attend a retreat? –>
Donations can help us run these retreats. Your generosity makes our work possible, whether you contribute financially or as a volunteer or as an AFRF member.
OUR MOTTO
LOOKING AFTER THOSE WHO LOOK AFTER US
Your generosity makes our work possible, whether you contribute financially or as a member and advocate for good, you can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of emergency first responders.
START NOW
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
The FRESHER Retreats are based on, and informed by, evidence. FRESHER content has been specially developed, reviewed and produced on the basis of what works in practice by experts in the field and those with lived experience. FRESHER is led and facilitated by trained Australian First Responder Foundation professional experts and people with authentic experience.
The AFRF has also published a series of highly informative and insightful interviews with professional experts in the field of peer support and mental health and wellbeing and with people with extensive lived experiences. These interviews are a valuable resource for understanding and reflecting upon the ways in which first responders may adopt practices to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
GET INVOLVED
HOW YOU CAN HELP
MAKE A DONATION
Your generosity makes our work possible, whether you contribute financially or as a member and an advocate for good.
Keep up with what is happening in the AFRF
WHO WE ARE
Emergency first responders place themselves at risk in service to our communities. They may be affected physically or mentally. The AFRF works to support the mental health and well-being of emergency first responders through peer support, education and wellbeing retreats.
JOIN OUR EFFORTS
Become a member of the AFRF – become someone who gives back to those who look after us. Or become a member of the team.
Trauma from multiple natural disasters
With so many NSW residents impacted by floods and fires each year we want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDERS who are out there helping keep us all safe. Career and volunteer emergency first responders are there 24 hours a day to keep a families and homes safe. They also help when livestock and our precious native animals are threatened. THANK YOU.
Emergency first responders in Australia
380,000
Career First Responders
240,000
Volunteer First Responders
Who are our emergency first responders?
Ambulance services (including St John Ambulance), Fire services, Police services, Lifesaver organisations, State Emergency Services, Marine Rescue services, Volunteer Rescue services and more
| 1 in 2.5 emergency first responders report being diagnosed with a mental health condition |
| 1 in 2 emergency first responders experience a traumatic event in the course of their work that will deeply affect them |
| 1 in 3 experience high or very high psychological distress |
| 1 emergency first responder will die by suicide every 4 weeks |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which the AFRF works and the Dharawal Nation where our office is located. We recognize the continuing connection of the Traditional Owners to the land, the waters and the community and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.