Wiltshire firefighters urged to speak-out about mental health
New figures show the pandemic is causing many fire personnel across the UK to struggle
Firefighters across Wiltshire are being encouraged to speak-out, if they are suffering with mental health issues.
A survey from Mind Blue Light has found that two out of three fire service personnel say they feel worse, because of the pandemic.
One in five describe their mental health as being "poor" or "very poor".
According to the findings, Ambulance staff were the emergency service most likely to be negatively affected.
It also found that a higher proportion of younger employees experienced negative mental health symptoms, since the Coronavirus outbreak hit the UK.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE FIREFIGHTERS FACED?
Things have been different and difficult for everyone since the pandemic first got underway.
Uncertainty, home-schooling and the threat of the virus affected firefighters - just as it did the rest of the population.
The Fire Fighters Charity says staff faced additional pressures of tackling new roles, bringing them closer to the COVID frontline, as well as managing family life back home.
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," she said.
You can listen to the full interview with Jane Rosso on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast
'People will listen and people will help'
Wiltshire firefighter Jack Cobern has spoken openly about his struggles to Greatest Hits Radio.
The 23-year-old, who's fundraising for MIND through a running challenge, said;
"Please speak to someone, whether that be a counsellor, a friend, family. People will listen and people will help. If you're a friend, please ask someone how they're doing".
'COVID-19 has amplified pressures for many on the frontline'
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.
"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 wants to learn more about getting support.
The Fire Fighters 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.