Firefighters in Lancashire urged to speak out as thousands across the country struggle through the pandemic

Firefighters across the county are being urged to speak out if they're struggling with their mental health.

A survey from Mind Blue Light found two out of three fire service personnel in the country say they feel worse because of the pandemic.

One in five describe their mental health as "poor" or "very poor."

According to the findings, Ambulance staff were the emergency service most likely to be negatively affected.

It also found younger members of staff were more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

What challenges have firefighters faced?

Things have been different and difficult for everyone since the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Uncertainty, home-schooling, and the threat of the virus affected firefighters just as it did the rest of the population.

The Firefighters Charity say staff faced additional pressures of taking on new roles, bringing them closer to the Covid-Frontline, as well as managing family life back home.

John Costello is the Station Manager at Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service, he said: "Covid isn't something like a chemical that you can wash off and say you're safe to go home now. We put our response staff in situations where with all the PPE and all the procedures in the world there are points where they're at risk and they're paid to do a job and help people when they need helping, so then that's in the back of their mind.

"I joined this job at 21, single with no kids and I was bullet proof and I could deal with anything...and then life happens.

"I've now got three children, I've lost close relatives through things like cancer and had relationship breakdowns, the lot, and it all weighs on you. What you could have dealt with, or you thought you might have been able to deal with doesn't mean that you can now, or that you can't."

The Station Manager urged any of the region's firefighters to talk to them if they're struggling and use the mental health services they have on hand: "At a certain time in your life, there may be an incident you go to or something you're dealing with at work or at home that you need a bit of help with.

"You're not signing up to say you're a superhero and you're bullet proof and nothing happens, we know that. Our job is dealing with human beings and there's always a time when somebody needs something and that means us as well."

Jane Rosso is the charity's Psychological Lead: "People were very focussed on the new challenges they were facing, professionally and personally. 'Can I keep my family safe? Are they ok? Can I do my duties properly?' There was a lot to juggle at that point in time, and no certainty."

"People were less inclined to seek support, thinking their concerns weren't as important as others, that they had to just carry on and deal with it.

You can listen to the full interview with Jane Rosso on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast.

Support for Firefighters is available

Dr Jill Tolfrey, Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity said: “We commend Mind and the Blue Light Programme on the publication of this latest research, which once again highlights the incredible pressures faced by those who work across our fire and rescue services.

“Covid-19 has amplified these pressures for many on the frontline and brought new mental health challenges for others. As ever, our role at The Fire Fighters Charity is to ensure that we are always here for those in need. While we have had to move our mental health services online during the pandemic, we have supported thousands through virtual consultations over the past year and will continue to do so, while also bringing back our face-to-face services over the weeks to come.

“My message to anyone facing a challenge to their mental wellbeing today is therefore simple. We are here for you. Please pick up the phone or get in touch through our website and we will do whatever we can to help you.”

Mind has a series of resources for anyone in the emergency services who want to find out more about getting support.

The Firefighter's Charity, which operates across the whole of the UK, says its helpline is open, and support services available for any staff who want to reach out.

The number is 0800 3898820.