Quick help

Home > Fire

Fire

Working or volunteering in the fire service can take a lot out of you – whatever your role.

It’s important to protect your mental health as best you can – on a daily basis, not just after the dramatic moments. Those around you play a big part in this too: colleagues, leaders, friends and family.

Scroll down for some useful starting points and extra support in Scotland, or

See all our resources for fire services

Asking for help: fire

It can feel difficult to ask for help when you need it – especially when you spend much of your time helping others. But there are some steps you can take to build your confidence.

I’ve seen something traumatic in my fire service role

In the fire service, you’re more likely to experience something traumatic than the general population. While you might feel like you’re able to cope in the moment, it’s important to process these things properly.

Talking to someone who understands: fire

Fire service roles are some of the hardest there are. It can be useful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through – here are some options.

Looking out for your family or friend in the fire service

When someone close to you is in a difficult or dangerous field, like the fire service can be, it’s natural to feel worried for them sometimes. Here are a few tips that can help, and some suggestions for where to look further.

Protecting your fire service team’s mental wellbeing

A few simple tips can go a long way to making you feel more confident talking about mental health and wellbeing with your colleagues.

Quick stress busters

Sometimes, everyone needs a little break to help them catch their breath and put their mental health first. Here are a few ideas.

If you’re in Scotland

Please visit our friends at Lifelines Scotland for information and resources for the fire community in Scotland.

Why your mental health is important

65%

of fire and rescue staff feel their mental health has deteriorated as a result of the pandemic

67%

of fire and rescue personnel said that the mental health support and advice offered by their organisation as helpful

67%

of fire and rescue staff have used exercise as a way to cope with the pressures of the pandemic

Most fire and rescue staff have struggled with not being able to see friends and family during the pandemic

Data from Mind research in 2015 and 2021

Real life stories

Rebecca
Assistant Operations Manager, fire service

“Work can be hard – as a control operator you can hear some very traumatic things. Incidents can linger with you, or in some cases stay in your memory for the rest of your life.”

Read Rebecca's story
View all fire service stories

The Blue Light Programme is a partnership between Mind and the emergency services community, including our charity partner The Fire Fighters Charity.

Get help now

For free, confidential, emotional support:

Call 0300 303 4434 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, for trauma and bereavement support from Just B

Text BLUELIGHT to 85258

Or call 116 123 anywhere, any time, to talk to Samaritans

More quick help ideas