A new mental health and wellbeing strategy for first responders which now recognises forestry workers, national park employees, and road and transport workers who put their lives on the line keeping communities safe was launched on Friday.

The strategy is in addition to emergency services personnel including Ambulance NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW State Emergency Service and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

First responders in New South Wales play an essential service protecting citizens and responding to a range of emergencies, from car crashes to bushfires and floods.

The new strategy sets out 15 priority actions that agencies are implementing to improve the mental health and wellbeing of these workers and help them to better manage the psychological challenges associated with their vital work. First responders will get the support they need regardless of the agency they belong.

The strategy requires agencies to ensure mental health services are accessible, particularly for those in regional and remote areas, providing holistic and tailored support for first responders throughout their careers.

The Strategy takes a proactive approach, setting a new high baseline for mental health and wellbeing support across first responder organisations and providing training for managers to better recognise and support workers.

Black Dog Institute executive director and chief scientist, Samuel Harvey, welcomed the release of the strategy.

“We are pleased to see many of our recommendations reflected in its design and the priority actions – particularly the focus on tailored, evidence-based support, connecting first responders to clinical care and ensuring training for managers/ people leaders to support early interventions,” Mr Harvey said.

“We know that first responders are at increased risk of mental health problems and over recent years, research has also begun to show the type of workplace supports and clinical programs that can help improve the mental health of this key group of workers and volunteers.

“We look forward to the next stage of this work and assisting the government with implementing these actions to ensure first responders receive the highest standard of mental health support.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said the strategy is about giving more first responders more support.

“We ask our first responders to run towards distressing scenes, so we need to support them with policies like this one,” Mr Minns said.

“We are promoting mental wellbeing and preventing psychological injuries for these essential workers.”

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis welcomed the strategy.

“This ensures national park employees and forestry workers all have access to the same psychological support offered to other first responders,” she said.

“Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity.”