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 or very poor, and 65% stating that it has got worse since the start of the pandemic*, it is little surprise the Charity has been receiving more requests for support from people with increasingly complex mental health needs.

It comes following unprecedented pressures on fire and rescue service personnel and their families throughout the pandemic which, when coupled with incredible demand on our NHS, has led to lengthy waiting lists and a perfect storm of circumstance.

However, the Charity vows to never leave anyone in need alone. Which is why it’s asking for help from its supporters today.

The Fire Fighters Charity is looking to further develop its teams, diversify its services, invest in new programmes and resources and reach every corner of the fire services community in order to ensure that it can meet the needs of every individual who asks for help.

But to do this, it needs donations this winter.

Chief Executive Dr Jill Tolfrey says: “We have seen our fire and rescue services push themselves like never before over the last two years to support their communities when they needed it most. But now it’s our turn to support them.

“Facing difficult and emotionally challenging situations every day, in roles far beyond their usual day-to-day work, has had a direct impact on many of our beneficiaries’ mental health and wellbeing. We will ensure we’re there for all of them, whenever they may need us, and donations from our supporters this winter can help us do just that.

“Together we can – and must – help them, so they can continue to help you.”

No one should have to carry the burden of poor mental health by themselves, so with help from its Winter Apeal, the Charity will continue to lighten the load for those in need across the fire services community.