"Because a PSO had a caring conversation with me, I knew where to turn when I needed help, and I felt less ashamed asking because I knew they would understand."
- Firefighter, Central Region
"I have been working with FESSN for a RSC since 2015 in Central Queensland. Over the years I have noticed changes with QFES members: the way they value and appreciate their mental health. Members looking out and reaching out, for each other and themselves. If more people in the world could operate with the same ethos as QFES members, that 'mental wellness is on exactly the same par as physical health' then the state of people's lives would improve drastically. Granted it could possibly put me out of a jobm but that's okay, as nothing would make me happier to see people living their best lives."
- Counsellor, Central Region
"When times are tough and you can't see beyond the dark, just remind yourself that nothing ever stays the same, and that in darkness light can always be created, you just have to find that glimmers."
- State Emergency Service Volunteer, Northern Region
"My PSO listens and supports me through anything that is going on in my life - sharing, chatting, laughing... the best thing I ever did was take the first step, picked up the phone, and called a PSO. I will never be alone again."
- QFES employee
"I wasn't feeling myself and that was enough for someone to suggest maybe talking to someone. From my first session I have become to realise that the way I was feeling at times, (sad, angry, unmotivated) actually had reasons which I could learn about and talk through. My feeling were what I thought were normal for most people but I've learnt the intensity doesn't have to be. The last 8 months of sessions have been invaluable to my growth, understanding and acceptance of myself, which in turn has made me feel better."
- Rural Fire Service Volunteer, Northern Region
"Counselling helps you moving forward"
- Rural Fire Service Volunteer, Far Northern Region
"As a PSO, it's all about being tuned in to my colleagues and noticing the nuances that give clues to when someone may need a bit of extra support, and then creating that opportunity through a friendly chat. It is inspiring to see the relief as people open up and share their stories, and to help them feel less alone with whatever challenge they are facing"
- Peer Support Officer, Brisbane Region
"R U OK day is important to me as it acknowledges the complexity of people's lives and the toll that can take on our mental and physically wellbeing. It calls attention to the care we should give each other on a day to day basis - being a good friend, colleague, mate, or just the person in the right spot to help someone in some small way. Our mental health requires attention just like our physical health. Simple acts help; just checking in, listening, sharing a kind word, or generally just being there for someone. It's simple and it makes a huge difference in people's lives."
- Assistant Commissioner Smith
"Being a leader doesn't need to be a lonely experience. Over the years I've had to learn to be brave enough to reach out for support and guidance where and when needed. No shame in that. It's what leaders should do."
- Assistant Commissioner Short
"I have attended many disasters and emergencies throughout my career and I have seen friends affected by the cumulative effect of trauma and stress. It's now known that these effects can be reduced by early intervention so please reach out if you need some support or just want a chat... Your family, friend and the Queensland community need you safe and well."
- Assistant Commissioner Cawcutt
"I know that mental health does impact us all and we need to look out for ourselves, our work colleagues, and our teammates. We promote the importance of teams at shift, at station, at brigade level and in the day-to-day workplace. It is important that we check in with our teammates at both a team and individual level. Sometimes it is just having the right conversation at the right time and asking R U OK?"
- Deputy Commissioner Roche
"I have a grab bag of 'tools' to help my resilience and get me through some of the days where I feel less than resilient. When I need help, I reach out and chat to my husband, friend, colleague, executive coach or my counsellor. Having a chat is one of the avenues that help fill my resilience tank and help me to see situations from varying perspectives. There's no shame in reaching out and asking someone for help or guidance. I just wish I'd accepted this concept a lot earlier in my life."
- QFES employee