Get Up and Grow Unveils Groundbreaking First Responders Wellness Assistance Programme in South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa: 15 September 2025: In a historic moment for South Africa’s emergency services, Get Up and Grow proudly announces the launch of the First Responders Wellness Assistance Programme (FRWAP) – a pioneering initiative designed to support the nation’s unsung heroes. This is the first programme of its kind in South Africa, offering a lifeline to police officers, firefighters, paramedics and volunteers who dedicate their lives to serving and saving others, often at great personal cost.

Founded by Sinta Ebersohn, an internationally accredited first responder and trauma debriefing specialist, this unique programme emerges from her firsthand experience of the dire need for support within the industry. Having faced the relentless pressures of emergency work herself, Ebersohn recognised the toll it takes, from workplace tensions to the strain on relationships and mental wellbeing. “As a first responder, I’ve seen the courage it takes to answer millions of calls annually, yet the system often leaves our teams to struggle alone,” she says. “This initiative is my commitment to rewrite that narrative, empowering every first responder to thrive.”

This transformative programme, led by Ebersohn’s 15 years of experience in mental health advocacy, delivers immediate, tailored support. Through a library of resilience resources, including vicarious trauma awareness training, cultural diversity modules, harassment and abuse interventions and relationships & family support, FRWAP equips teams to overcome challenges. For those in crisis, specialist trauma debriefing, conflict resolution mentoring and emergency interventions provide rapid relief, fostering a resilient and united workforce.

The impact is already being felt. A Johannesburg firefighter rebuilt his family life with an online course, a Cape Town paramedic regained confidence after vicarious trauma debriefing and a Durban police officer transformed team dynamics through diversity training. Testimonials pour in: “Sinta, your mentoring resolved my team tensions. I feel stronger than ever,” says one. Another adds, “Your guidance helped me balance work and family. Life-changing support!”

As the 2024 African Excellence Award Winner for Best Employee Wellness Assistance Programme, Get Up and Grow invites emergency service leaders, municipalities and national departments to join this movement. FRWAP not only strengthens relationships and boosts performance but also builds a legacy of excellence for South Africa’s diverse emergency services.

Media and leaders are urged to act now. Visit https://getupandgrow.co.za/wellness/ to learn more about FRWAP, download the full info deck and schedule a discovery meeting. Together, let’s ensure our first responders respond with confidence and pride.

About Get Up and Grow 

Get Up and Grow, founded by Sinta Ebersohn, is a trailblazing wellness provider cultivating resilience in South Africa’s unique landscape. Visit https://www.getupandgrow.co.za for more details.