Montrose Fire Brigade is leading the way in member wellbeing by implementing a local program to support the health and wellbeing of its members.
Montrose FB are supporting member health and wellbeing through localised programs.
The brigade is half-way through a 12-month plan that was established locally to include activities such as mental health and resilience training, a local brigade walk, strengthening team relationships sessions, and healthy eating workshops.
The brigade has also taken the opportunity to engage with CFA’s Health Services by incorporating the volunteer Health Watch Program into its annual plan, including confidential health checks and various health education workshops.
Montrose brigade Captain Rob Waters has shown some excellent leadership skills when initiating the program.
“As a brigade we do some things really well. We train hard and ensure we have enough members around to meet our response times 24/7,” Rob said.
“We act professionally, work well with our neighbouring brigades and there is a great sense of comaraderie among the membership. However, I feel that there is an area where we can do better, much better, and that is our health and wellbeing.
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Their gym has been set up to support member physical health, which works in conjunction with mental health workshops and other programs.
“This is not about making you run or pass fitness tests,” Rob continued. “It’s about taking better care of ourselves and each other; how to eat better, get enough sleep,and look after our mental health. So I have put a team together to come up with a plan that we can integrate into our monthly training calendar.
“This Health and Wellbeing Program is fabulous and the sessions run so far have been beneficial to the members as I watch them change their behaviours or habits for the better,” Kelly Krajnc, Brigade Administrative Support Officer, said.
