What makes the program different
The Residential Wellbeing Program does more than treat symptoms. It helps people start to consider what return to work might look like.
It is delivered to small groups of eight participants. It is peer-based, relationship-centred and residential, running over four days and three nights in a non-clinical setting.
The program supports injured workers who are motivated to return to work and complements any other treatment they are receiving.
It provides a focused period of learning, reflection and support to help participants manage symptoms linked to occupational stress and trauma whilst supporting their recovery and exploration of a potential return to work by:
discussing how highly demanding work can remain rewarding when appropriate personal and organisational resources are available;
continuing to process one or more workplace incidents that contributed to their injury;
learning to identify and address burnout using proactive and responsive strategies;
setting a self-care goal to implement after the program;
building a personal advocacy mindset to reduce feelings of powerlessness and support their recovery and potential return to work;
identifying and challenging cynicism towards their employer, insurer or WorkSafe to develop a more balanced and realistic perspective that supports their return-to-work recovery;
expanding the mindset about what satisfying work might be; and
setting specific goals for their next steps.
Why refer someone?
The Residential Wellbeing Program – Return to Work Initiative is an innovative, relationship-based education and training program that offers a different way of thinking about recovery. Adapted for Australian emergency services from Blueprint’s evidence-based program in British Columbia, Canada, it was piloted by ESF in 2024. The program has been shown to cause no harm while helping injured workers identify and overcome barriers to returning to work. The current trial aims to better understand which program attributes contribute to its success. Participants benefit personally while also helping to shape more effective approaches to supporting workers with mental injury.
Evidence & credibility
The RWP is based on Blueprint’s First Responder Resiliency Program (FRRP), developed in British Columbia, Canada. The Canadian model provides an established evidence base for a relationship-centred, peer-based and residential approach to supporting first responders experiencing workplace-related mental injury that was evaluated by University of Canberra. ESF adapted this model for the Australian emergency services context while retaining its core principles. An independent evaluation by Phoenix Australia found significant, sustained clinical improvements and wellbeing benefits.
- ESF RWP: Phoenix Australia final evaluation report
- FRRP outcomes brochure
- Blueprint: Evidence and outcomes
Clinical Governance
The Residential Wellbeing Program is designed and delivered by qualified registered clinicians with extensive experience in mental health, emergency services and workplace recovery. Clinical quality, participant safety and program integrity are overseen by the ESF Mental Health Advisory Group and Project Steering Committee, providing clear governance and accountability throughout the program.