Safe Work Month - Tim Rogers
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As part of National Safe Work Month, we are featuring members of CFA’s Health Safety and Wellbeing team.
Today our series continues with Tim Rogers, CFA’s Peer Support State Lead.
Can you tell us a little bit about your role and what it involves?
I am the Peer Support State Lead, and I manage the CFA Peer Support Program. The program brings together a dedicated network of CFA members known as Peers who provide psychological first aid, practical support and a listening ear to CFA members when they need it most.
My role is incredibly varied and involves everything from recruitment, training and supporting our Peers, through to program development, governance and continuous improvement.
Ultimately, my role is about making sure our members have access to timely, appropriate and meaningful support, while ensuring our Peers feel confident, capable and supported in the important work they do.
What do you love most about it?
It may sound like a cliché, but for me it is the people and knowing that the work we do can make a genuine difference in someone's life.
I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside a passionate and committed group of people who willingly give their time to support their fellow CFA members and families. Seeing that compassion, connection and willingness to look out for one another is something I never take for granted.
If every CFA member took away one thing from Safe Work Month, what would you want it to be?
Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical safety. Within a sector such as ours, we are often very good at recognising physical hazards and taking steps to protect ourselves and others. But psychological aspects of our work deserves that same level of attention, whether that's recognising when something isn't quite right, checking in on a fellow member or reaching out for support ourselves.
I would really encourage every CFA member to remember that you don't need to be in crisis to seek support and that asking for help is a sign of self-awareness and strength, not weakness.
Most importantly, looking after one another is something we can all contribute to. Sometimes a simple conversation, taking the time to genuinely listen or asking someone how they are travelling can make a bigger difference than we realise.
Find out more about Safe Work Month activities by visiting Members Online.