The stigma of mental health services prevents some firefighters from seeking the help they need – it’s time to put pride aside and embrace an open dialogue. Mental health is a serious issue for many professions, but those in the…
Don’t suffer in silence
A fire service has teamed up with mental health charities to try and support those in crisis among the cost-of-living crisis. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have revealed all 17 of their community fire stations are dedicated…
Innovative mental health boosting benches unveiled to mark Charity Patron’s Platinum Jubilee
The Fire Fighters Charity has unveiled specially planted trees, plaques and innovative soundscape benches at its three UK centres to mark the Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II, its Patron of 69 years. The Charity unfurled the bunting and…
Let’s look out for each other this Christmas
The region's fire and rescue service has called on people to look out for each other this Christmas after revealing they have been called to help more than 100 people in distress – in just six months. Tyne and Wear…
The Fire Fighters Charity launches winter appeal amid surging demand for mental health support
The Fire Fighters Charity is today launching a winter fundraising appeal amid a growing need for mental health support across the UK’s fire services community. With one in five members of the fire service rating their mental health as poor…
New report reveals impact of burn-out and poor work-life balance
The Emergency Services Show, NEC, 7–8 September 2021 A new 18-month study of over 10,000 front-line workers highlighting the critical state of poor staff mental health across the emergency services sector will be launched at The Emergency Services Show at the NEC in Birmingham…
Firefighters fight mental health problems
Firefighters are particularly at risk of work-related stress and mental health problems because of the nature of their work. As a sector, there is increasing focus on the mental health and wellbeing of staff and TeamDoctor is delighted to be…
Charity welcomes research into mental health impact of pandemic on UK fire service personnel
The continued need for The Fire Fighters Charity’s mental health support services has been highlighted today with the publication of research claiming that 65% of the UK’s fire and rescue service personnel have seen a deterioration in their mental health…
Fire Chief discusses mental health and sexism
The ‘hunky fireman’ image that has been a central feature of recruitment drives is putting women off joining forces across the nation. One of Britain’s highest-ranking female firefighters has revealed that women make up less than 7% of the nation’s…
When the loss isn’t gone
As is typical, much of what we learn regarding mental health in our field finds genesis within the military. And, the idea of Ambiguous Loss is no different. Lead by researcher Pauline Boss, Ambiguous Loss grabbed foothold in the grief…
Unique mental health video ‘a must-see’
This is the fire video that has been setting social media alight. The footage features Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighters and officers talking about mental health, exploding myths and attempting to remove the stigma. It has been backed by…
Learn to manage life-changing conversations
British Safety Council offers training to help with mental health conversations According to a Business in the Community report, 60% of employees have experienced a mental health problem due to work and 31% have been formally diagnosed with a mental…
UK Mental health is everyone’s business – British Safety Council launches a suite of mental health training courses
On the eve of World Mental Health Day, the British Safety Council has unveiled its mental health training portfolio. The courses are designed to help businesses and their employees start conversations about mental health issues and support their efforts to…
The Fire Fighters Charity boosts mental health support with new role
The Fire Fighters Charity has today confirmed its commitment to supporting the mental health of the UK fire community with the recruitment of a new role to bolster its psychological support services. Now recruiting for a new Psychological Services Lead,…
Responder Mental Health Issues Considered at The Emergency Services Show
Unions, professional bodies and charities will come together at The Emergency Services Show in Birmingham, UK next week (20-21 September) to lift the lid on mental health issues and share strategies for improving the wellbeing of emergency services staff. A recent ‘blue light’ mental health survey…
Mental Health Pledge
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has signed a pledge to show its commitment to tackling mental health stigma at work. Organisations who sign up to the pledge agree to promote a better understanding of mental health problems while offering support…
Work-related Stress and Mental Health Issues in the Fire Service
Once upon a time the leading cause of absence from work was musculoskeletal complaints: bad backs, bad joints and the like. Not any longer. Although still number one, musculoskeletal impairments are closely followed by mental health problems, many but not…