A new mental health support program has been created for first responders in South Australia. 

Flinders University has unveiled the 'Protecting Emergency Responders with Evidence-Based Interventions' (PEREI) support program, designed to bolster the mental resilience of first responders across South Australia. 

This initiative, launched in partnership with South Australia Police (SAPOL), the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), and the SA Country Fire Service (CFS), aims to mitigate the mental health challenges frequently encountered by emergency service personnel.

Research indicates that people in emergency services are at a heightened risk of experiencing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, with rates double that of the general population. 

PEREI, funded by Movember and the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, seeks to address this issue by providing early-career emergency responders with targeted training and resources.

Over 500 first responders and their significant others have already enrolled in the program, which has been highly rated by participants. 

According to Flinders University Professor Reg Nixon, who leads the project, PEREI's unique three-pronged approach focuses on first responders, their support networks, and their supervisors. 

“We can build on early career first responders’ skills and resources so that they can draw on these when things aren’t going well and help protect them from the onset of these issues,” Dr Nixon says.

Dr Marja Elizabeth, PEREI Project Manager and Clinical Psychologist, has highlighted the program's comprehensive strategy, which includes a seven-module online program developed at the University of Oxford for first responders. 

This program is complemented by the ‘Be Well Plan’; a six-session online initiative for their significant others, aimed at promoting mental wellbeing and resilience.

Furthermore, PEREI provides training for supervisors to enhance their ability to support their teams effectively, fostering a workplace culture that encourages seeking help and reduces the stigma around mental health.

The PEREI program will be available to all eligible participants who register before the end of March. Flinders University says it will ensure guaranteed entry for those who sign up by the deadline.

If you are interested in finding out more about participating, please contact the PEREI program.