Program Overview

Introduction to the Be Well Plan Wellbeing Program

The Be Well Plan Wellbeing Program is designed for significant others of first responders, aiming to enhance their resilience and wellbeing. This program acknowledges the unique challenges faced by family members and friends of first responders and provides them with strategies to support their loved ones while improving their own mental health.

Program Overview

The Be Well Plan is a six-week, self-paced online program delivered through weekly modules. It is an evidence-based mental health wellbeing program that includes psychological and behavioural strategies to improve mental states of wellbeing. Participants can identify wellness goals and choose from several strategies and skills to foster resilience and wellbeing. Each participant will have access to a dedicated Wellbeing Coach who will provide support and information throughout the program.

Eligibility Criteria

This program is available to significant others (i.e., parents, partners, adult children, family members, close friends) of current members of the Country Fire Service, Metropolitan Fire Service, and South Australia Police. There is no limitation on the number of significant others who can participate per serving member. However, to be eligible, the first responder must be taking part or have taken part in the PEREI First Responder Wellbeing and Resilience Program for members.

Program Content

Participants in the Be Well Plan will learn about:

• Setting and prioritising goals
• Focusing on targets and skills most relevant for themselves
• Strategies to put these into practice
• Healthy habits
• Impacts of living with and/or supporting a first responder

Program Structure and Development

The Be Well Plan was developed by Be Well Co, which is linked to the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). The program has been refined to include content and strategies tailored to individuals living with and/or supporting a first responder, considering their role in the member's life and managing their own reactions to diverse occupational stressors experienced by the first responder.

Research and Evaluation

The program's effectiveness is evaluated through a randomised controlled design, where first responder participants are randomised by service location to either take part in the program immediately or after a 12-month period. Significant others can participate immediately if their first responder is participating immediately; otherwise, they will access the program after a 12-month period. All participants can engage with the program over a two-year period. Evaluation includes brief questionnaires about symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, general wellbeing, and job stress, completed before, during, and after the program, and at follow-up time points.