The overall health and wellbeing of staff and volunteers is at the forefront of a new strategy being launched by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
Following the 2019-20 bushfires, the NSW Government committed $5.9 million to NSW SES to uplift and enhance the mental health and wellbeing services and support offered to all members. As a result of this funding, the Being Well Strategy 2023-2024 was developed.
The strategy, which focuses on both frontline, support staff and volunteers, will be officially launched today (Wednesday 2 August 2023) at the NSW SES Canterbury Unit.
The Being Well Strategy focuses on mental health and wellbeing services, including the recently launched Member Assistance Program.
The Member Assistance Program will support members with counselling services, manager assistance services, financial wellbeing, nutritional advice, legal advice and more.
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said the strategy will provide tailored support to all members.
“As a service with many first responders and critical support staff, we acknowledge the need for tailored services that will prevent risk and harm to our members, while promoting wellbeing and supporting mental health initiatives,” Commissioner York said.
“We have seen firsthand the impact of weather events on our communities, and while we will continue to show up each day to respond to these events, it’s also important that we focus on the wellbeing of our members. Initiatives that are put in place to support our frontline and support staff are vital to ensure they get the support they need following these significant events.
“We will be implementing multiple programs that implement the practice of wellbeing among our members and further equip them to support communities across NSW.”
