Core

mental health
support framework

for

First Responders Network

project

Concept & Prototype Design for an Ai-assisted Mental Health Companion

The Ask

Create a website capable of supporting continuous engagement and long-term mental health improvement. With a focus on technology, mental health literacy, and accessibility, success will be defined by an ability to empower first responders, foster stigma-free workplaces, and drive measurable improvements in mental health outcomes.

C

The thinking

It quickly became clear that client's approach to the project was outdated and focused more on organizational needs than on the user experience. So, we set out to demonstrate this by going straight to the source (the users) and kicked things off with a round of user interviews.

What We Found Out

First responders often face immense physical and emotional stress due to the nature of their work, dealing with life-threatening situations, trauma, and loss of life on a daily basis.

However ...

Despite the high rates of mental health struggles among them, many first responders find it difficult to seek help.

The main reason being ...

There is stigma surrounding mental health in their profession. They may fear being perceived as weak, incompetent, or unable to perform their duties effectively. The culture of toughness and resilience discourages vulnerability, leading many to internalize their pain. This creates a cycle where individuals suffer in silence, and untreated mental health issues can worsen over time.

I’m hesitant to rely on the mental health tools our workplace made available to us. While they might be helpful for some, they don’t feel personal or private enough for me to truly feel safe using them.

First Responder interviewee

The support our association offers doesn’t feel like it was designed with people like us in mind. It overlooks the barriers we face when we actually need to reach out for help. Whether it’s the stigma, the long hours, or the emotional toll of the job, those factors don’t seem to be considered in the way the system is set up. It often feels like a one-size-fits-all solution, rather than something that understands or reflects the unique challenges we deal with every day.

First Responder interviewee

Reframe a problem into an opportunity

So, how might we ...

... transform this outdated model into an active, dynamic support system that delivers tailored, real-time mental health support directly to users, when and how they need it most?

INTRODUCING

Core

The First Responders Mental Health Support System

a dynamic platform that evolves with users, providing real-time, personalized mental health resources.

Much more than a website, it’s a trusted partner in the mental health journey.