The Fire Fighters Charity has released its 2022/23 Impact Report, highlighting its activities and achievements over the past year.

The report, coinciding with the Charity’s Annual General Meeting, offers a comprehensive look at their work and impact, including touching stories from those they supported.

Reflecting on a year of achievement and challenges

The report pays tribute to the late Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and outlines the progress in the third year of the Charity’s Strategic Plan.

It focuses on innovation and overcoming challenges, including the COVID pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

The Charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, comments on the year

Dr Jill Tolfrey, Chief Executive of the Charity, expressed her delight in reporting another successful year.

She said: “I am once again delighted to be able to report back to you on the highlights of another successful year, both in terms of our impact on the health and wellbeing of the fire services community, and in terms of the incredible support you once again showed to us.”

Impact Report: Financial and service delivery highlights

The report details significant financial achievements, including £227,148 raised by Fire Family Fundraisers and over £221,700 in one-off donations.

It also celebrates service delivery milestones, like supporting over 10,000 beneficiaries and delivering 15 Hope Programmes.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, John Baines, on Digital Services

John Baines, Chair of the Board of Trustees, highlighted the Charity’s advancements in digital services, reaching a milestone of 10,000 digital consultations: “Reaching our 10,000th digital consultation was a significant milestone that is worth our reflection and praise for the teams involved.

“Today we are able to bring members of our physical and psychological services teams into people’s homes, meaning we can support thousands more who would otherwise be unable to attend one of our centres.”

He emphasised the importance of these services in supporting more people across the UK, especially those unable to attend the centres.

Emphasis on Future Goals

While celebrating current achievements, the report also focuses on future goals, including reaching on-call firefighters, beneficiaries in devolved nations, and ‘hard to reach’ groups like the retired community and dependants.

IFSJ Comment

The Fire Fighters Charity’s 2022/23 Impact Report demonstrates the organisation’s resilience and adaptability in the face of significant challenges.

The report showcases the Charity’s financial successes and service delivery milestones and its commitment to evolving and expanding its digital services.

This development is crucial for reaching more beneficiaries and adapting to the changing needs of the fire services community.

The report highlights the importance of such organisations in supporting the mental and physical health of firefighters and their families, underlining their critical role in our society.