Re: Building Families is an evidence-informed psychoeducation and support program addressing the impacts of operational stress on the personal, social, and mental health of spouses and partners living in first responder families.

ARE YOU THE PARTNER OF A FIRST RESPONDER?

First responders (FR) like firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and some military personnel are employed to ensure the safety and security of the public. At home, spouses and partners play a critical role in supporting their FR — and fulfilling that role can take a significant toll on their own individual, social, and physical functioning.

SPOUSES/PARTNERS OFTEN

• Vicariously experience FR stress in the home environment

• Take on extra responsibilities to alleviate demands on the FR

• Experience impacts on their own mental health functioning

Because each partner’s symptoms and strengths reciprocally affect the other — as well as overall couple functioning, and children in the household — it’s crucial to provide psychoeducation to spouses/partners so they can understand and respond to the extraordinary stressors common in first responder families.

The Re: Building Families program was developed to support SPOUSES and PARTNERS living in first responder families. Via a manualized program with six main modules, the RBF program includes a combination of psychoeducation, workbook activities, and opportunities for both reflection and discussion.

By the end of the program, you will have a solid understanding of the nature of operational stress and first responder culture, the importance of open communication, how to give and receive mutual support, and how to embrace one’s identity both within and outside a first responder family.

LEARN MORE

WHO SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROGRAM?

SPOUSES/PARTNERS
living with a first responder, who are experiencing the effect of operational stress within the home, and who see the potential positive impact of gaining a greater mutual understanding.

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS LEADS
in first responder organizations, who are in a position to provide direction towards meaningful resources to first responders and their families, particularly to address prevention of or early intervention for operational stress injuries.

ORGANIZATION SENIOR LEADERSHIP
in first responder organizations, who recognize this as an opportunity to invest funds in mental health promotion, enhance well-being — and ultimately reduce absence time and improve return-to-work success.

Enroll as a spouse/partner on the purchase page. For multiple and organization-wide licensing options, contact us.

“My partner and I are at the beginning of our journey together in the *first responder world**. I truly appreciate the time and energy of the research team, facilitator, and group members. The* vulnerability and willingness of peers to share their struggles has contributed to a lot of critical thinking and constructive conversations in our partnership. I feel very grateful that this program put preventative practices in place for us to build a strong foundation together.”

Alanna, 5-year fire member spouse