The TJF Community
The Wonderful TJF Community
At The Journey Forward, our team comprises extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities, whether in uniform or after retirement. They are police officers, paramedics, firefighters, frontline workers, and retired heroes who have selflessly contributed to the well-being of our society.
These remarkable individuals bring with them a wealth of experiences, stories, and unwavering strength that enrich our collective spirit. Their unique perspectives, insights, and life experiences play a pivotal role in shaping our approach to supporting mental health within the emergency services sector. They are an integral part of our team and the success of The Journey Forward, individually and collectively. They are TJF - The Journey Forward!
Their stories of courage, sacrifice, and determination inspire us daily. They remind us of the incredible tenacity that exists within our team and our community. Together, we share a common mission – to improve the mental health and well-being of those who have chosen the path of service, whether currently active or retired.
Explore our website to learn more about becoming a valued member of our caring and supportive community. To all our remarkable community members, both active and retired, thank you for being part of the TJF community and for your ongoing contributions to the well-being of yourself and each other.
Cleve Salmon
Director
Cleve is a 19 year police veteran with lived experience of PTSD. Cleve is the brain child of TJF (Tango Juliet Foxtrot) which, in part, was his way of working through some of the challenges he faced during his battle with PTSD, his journey through ill-health retirement and recovery. He has had multiple hospital admissions in mental health facilities and volunteers as a peer at Ward 17 assisting other patients who are facing their own demons. Cleve's willingness to share his journey publicly, through conversation, his TJF website and on social media has been courageous, but more importantly has shown how transformation is possible and provided hope.
Cleve was an active peer support officer in Victoria Police and has also completed peer support training with Emergency Services Foundation. Throughout his career and retirement, he has been tireless in his support of serving and retired emergency service workers coping with the unique challenges they face in their journey forward.
Cleve is also a co-founder and director of TJF - The Journey Forward Limited and co-facilitates the peer discussion and activity groups currently occurring fortnightly at the Beach Bar @ Carrum..
Finally, Prior to his policing career, Cleve was a Chef, so he oversees the amazing food prep at our Pay It Forward BBQ's. Of course, like any head Chef, he doesn't just cook, he also does a lot of yelling - Haha - just kidding Clevo..
Contact: info@tjf.au
Dave Evans
Director
Dave's a 23 year police veteran with lived experience of PTSD. Dave and Cleve first met as young Constables and after many years of forging rewarding and fulfilling careers and experiencing the devastating impact of trauma crossed paths once again.
It was this chance meeting and the many conversations about mental health and recovery and the great support they offered each other that lead Tango Juliet Foxtrot (TJF) to evolve into what is today TJF - The Journey Forward.
Dave co-founded The Journey Forward Limited and co-facilitates the peer discussion and activity group with Cleve, has completed a Bachelor of Psychology, holds a Masters in Social Work and is an accredited Social Worker. Dave has also completed specialist training for mental health providers with Phoenix Australia and is registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Dave currently works a couple of days per week providing private counselling and holistic support to those experiencing health and wellbeing challenges. When he’s not working Dave's passion, as a police veteran and social worker, is supporting and empowering serving and retired police, emergency services personnel, frontline workers, and their support staff on their journey forward.
Chris Dawson
Director
Chris is a 33 year police veteran with lived experience of being prematurely pensioned out of Victoria Police due to PTSD, and the whirlwind of emotions that go with it. It’s a difficult, daunting and uncomfortable path to have to walk, when all that you have known and loved suddenly ends due to crumbling mental health. The silence and nothingness afterwards can feel unbearable and you can feel very lost and alone. The TJF Community can truly help to support you and remind you that you are definately not alone! Support and camaraderie does still exist after you leave the job.
The first half of Chris’ career in VicPol centered around assisting the community in a General Duties role, later transitioning into Police In Schools, Family Violence investigation and finally a Proactive Policing / Crime Prevention role. Chris has always been passionate about serving and supporting the general community; these days the focus has narrowed to assisting our amazing TJF Community members.
It’s sad to acknowledge that in protecting others, we have sacrificed ourselves. We have absorbed trauma so that others didn’t have to. Healing from those injuries is definitely possible, but takes time and support from those who truly understand it and will walk alongside you. Within the TJF Community, you will find the “blue family” of genuine support and understanding that you always hoped to find in your career, but may not have. TJF is a safe place to speak openly about what’s really happening for you.
Chris and Cleve worked together in their younger years prior to each joining VicPol, and then Chris and Dave later crossed paths in the Family Violence & Sexual Offences investigation arenas. A natural bond of like-minded souls. The three birds of a feather have now flocked back together to form a great team of Directors that provides genuine help, support, understanding and friendship to serving and veteran mates who need it, through the variety of TJF Community meetings, networking and activities.
Contact: info@tjf.au
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