On World Mental Health Day, [Organization Name] marked the occasion with a focused celebration on creating a mentally safer workplace for first responders. Under the global theme “Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” the organization announced two landmark initiatives: a Peer Support Program connecting staff with senior colleagues trained in psychological first aid, and a new access pathway to primary and preventative healthcare – including counselling and mental health services – available at the National Headquarters.
The event was honored by the presence of the Directorate for Social Change & Mental Health Services with their Mind on Wheels bus and dedicated team, as well as members of the UPNG Psychology Students Association and staff from the Australian Volunteers Program. These partners enriched the celebration and underscored the collective commitment to first responder wellbeing.
Core message: Healthy, supported first responders deliver better emergency services to the people of Papua New Guinea.
1. Background
1.1 The Importance of World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a global opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and mobilize action for mental health. The 2025 theme – “Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace” – resonates deeply with emergency services. First responders (firefighters, paramedics, police, disaster workers) face repeated exposure to trauma, shift work, high pressure, and critical incidents. Without adequate mental health support, burnout, post‑traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression can compromise both individual wellbeing and public safety.
1.2 The Need for Action in PNG
In Papua New Guinea, first responders often operate under resource constraints and high community expectations. Historically, mental health has been overlooked in favor of physical readiness. The organization recognized that to serve the nation, its own people must first be well – mentally, emotionally, and physically.
2. Event Overview
Detail Information
Occasion World Mental Health Day 2025
Theme “Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”
Host [Organization Name – Emergency Services]
Date 10 October 2025
Location National Headquarters, [City], and surrounding grounds
Key partners Directorate for Social Change & Mental Health Services, UPNG Psychology Students Association, Australian Volunteers Program
Attendees Staff (first responders, administrative personnel), leadership team, partner organizations
3. New Initiatives Announced
To transform the theme into lasting action, the organization announced two major initiatives effective immediately.
3.1 Peer Support Program
Feature Description
Purpose Provide confidential, immediate emotional support to staff facing work‑related stress or personal difficulties.
Structure Senior colleagues (officers with at least 5 years of service) trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and active listening.
Access 24/7 phone roster; in‑person drop‑in sessions at Headquarters.
Training First cohort of 20 peer supporters completed training with the Directorate for Social Change & Mental Health Services.
Confidentiality Peer supporters are bound by a strict code of conduct – no records shared with supervisors unless there is risk of harm.
“Peer support is not counseling – it is a bridge. A familiar face who listens without judgment can make all the difference after a difficult call.”
— Peer Support Coordinator
3.2 Easier Access to Primary and Preventative Healthcare
Feature Description
What’s new Streamlined referral pathway from the workplace to counselling and mental health services at the National Headquarters.
Services included Free, confidential counselling (individual and group); mental health assessments; stress management workshops; preventative health checks.
Partner Directorate for Social Change & Mental Health Services provides clinical staff and the Mind on Wheels mobile unit for off‑site locations.
Privacy guarantee Staff can self‑refer without line manager approval; no impact on performance evaluations.
Preventative focus Annual mental health check‑ins (like a physical health check‑up) to catch issues early.
Both initiatives directly support the goal: staff remain healthy and ready to serve the community.
4. Partners and Their Contributions
4.1 Directorate for Social Change & Mental Health Services
· Mind on Wheels bus – A mobile mental health clinic parked at Headquarters for the day, offering on‑the‑spot consultations.
· Dedicated team – Mental health officers provided informational sessions, answered staff questions, and enrolled interested staff into the new access pathway.
· Training collaboration – The Directorate trained the initial Peer Support cohort.
4.2 UPNG Psychology Students Association
· Student volunteers – Assisted with event logistics, distributed educational materials, and conducted a short anonymous survey on workplace stress.
· Future pipeline – Several students expressed interest in interning with the organization’s wellness unit.
4.3 Australian Volunteers Program
· Staff presence – Australian Volunteers staff attended to show solidarity and explore potential cross‑exchange on workplace mental health best practices.
· Resource sharing – Provided printed materials on stress management and resilience from international sources adapted to PNG context.
5. Event Activities and Engagement
Activity Description Participation
Opening address Leadership spoke about the new initiatives and the importance of seeking help as a sign of strength. Full staff assembly (~120 people)
Mind on Wheels tours Staff toured the mobile clinic, met counselors, and received branded mental health flyers. ~60 staff
Peer Support launch booth The 20 trained peer supporters introduced themselves and gave out contact cards. High engagement, many questions
Wellbeing corner Relaxation exercises, tea, and informal conversations led by UPNG Psychology students. Continuous flow throughout the day
Commitment wall Staff wrote one thing they would do to protect their mental health and posted it on a wall. Over 90 pledges (e.g., “I will take my breaks,” “I will talk to a peer”)
Quote from a first responder:
“For years we were told to ‘toughen up.’ Today I heard our leaders say, ‘We will support you.’ That changes everything.”
— Paramedic, 12 years of service
6. Outcomes and Immediate Impact
· Peer Support Program uptake: 15 staff members made informal contact with a peer supporter on the same day.
· Counselling referrals: 8 staff members booked confidential appointments through the new access pathway.
· Survey results (preliminary): 74% of staff who completed the anonymous survey reported moderate to high work‑related stress; 82% said they would use a confidential peer support service.
· Partnership reinforcement: The Directorate and the organization signed a letter of collaboration to continue joint mental health activities quarterly.
· Media coverage: Local media (radio, online) covered the event, amplifying the message that first responder mental health is a national priority.
7. Acknowledgments
The organization extends heartfelt thanks to:
· All staff (first responders and support teams) – For your courage, not only on the job but in embracing mental health support.
· Directorate for Social Change & Mental Health Services – For the Mind on Wheels bus, expert team, and ongoing partnership.
· UPNG Psychology Students Association – For youthful energy and professional dedication.
· Australian Volunteers Program – For cross‑cultural solidarity and resources.
· Leadership – For approving and championing the two new initiatives.
“We marked this significant day with a focus on creating a mentally safer workplace. This year’s theme highlights the importance of looking after our first responders’ wellbeing so they can continue delivering emergency services to the people of Papua New Guinea.”
8. Next Steps
Action Responsible Timeline
Roll out Peer Support Program to all regional stations Wellness Unit Within 3 months
Monthly “Mind on Wheels” visits to major stations Directorate Starting November 2025
Train second cohort of peer supporters Wellness Unit + Directorate Q1 2026
Integrate annual mental health check‑ins into staff health program HR + Wellness Unit By 2026
Host follow‑up World Mental Health Day 2026 with expanded partners Communications Annually
9. Conclusion
World Mental Health Day 2025 was not simply a one‑day event for [Organization Name]. It marked a cultural shift – a public, institutional commitment to prioritising mental health in the workplace. The launch of the Peer Support Program and the easier access pathway to counselling and preventative care ensures that first responders receive the same compassion they extend to others.
With the invaluable support of the Directorate for Social Change & Mental Health Services (including their Mind on Wheels bus), the UPNG Psychology Students Association, and the Australian Volunteers Program, the organization has built a foundation for lasting change.
When we protect the mental health of those who protect us, everyone wins. Happy World Mental Health Day – today and every day.
