Back in 2015, we began gathering evidence on the mental health of people working within the emergency services. We found a workforce often struggling in silence, where staff and volunteers experienced more mental health problems than the general workforce but were less likely to take time off as a result.
The research showed that almost nine in ten personnel had experienced stress and poor mental health while working for blue light services, whilst only 29 per cent of staff and volunteers said their service encouraged them to talk about mental health.
For the last four years we have led on the delivery of a programme of support for staff and volunteers in the Fire, Ambulance, Police, Search and Rescue services, aiming to reduce stigma, promote wellbeing and improve support. The programme comes to an end this year and we are delighted to share that it has made a real difference.
Liz, Vicky, John and Darren share how Mind’s blue light support has impacted them and their colleagues.
Find out more about the Blue Light Programme and download our legacy report