Phase Two – Educate

Family members and friends participating in the project will receive pre-course material before attending the training program. The material includes information on how it is perfectly normal for first responders to have adverse reactions to some of the incidents they witness, how sometimes these reactions can impact their loved ones, ways first responders can be supported, and HUGS Tool box for first responders loved ones. Training in HUGS : Hearing, Understanding, Guiding, and Supporting techniques will enhance family members’ and friends’ resiliency, enabling them to recognise signs and symptoms of stress and encouraging them to engage with their first responders to support them.

The training involves discussions and scenario-based interactions that provide a safe environment for family members and friends to practice, make mistakes, and learn new skills.