We’re proud to unveil an ambitious new strategy this week, setting out plans to double the number of people we support by 2030 with our healthcare and wellbeing support services for the UK fire services community.
Today, Fire Fighters Charity is here for around 360,000 people across the UK fire services community. We estimate that almost 88,000 are likely to need specialist health and wellbeing support in any given year. Despite supporting a record 13,507 people in the last year, we are currently reaching only around 15% of those estimated to need our care and support.
The launch of our strategy comes as we report our busiest year on record. In 2025/26, we supported more people than ever before, having grown our reach by 40% over the past two years.
Our Strategy to 2030 sets out our ambition to support many thousands more people, amounting to around 30% of estimated annual need within the next five years.
It is underpinned by three priorities:
- Preventing health problems before they escalate through earlier intervention
- Expanding access through digital and blended services alongside our residential centres
- Working in partnership with Fire and Rescue Services, healthcare providers and sector organisations to strengthen the support already available.
The strategy reflects changing patterns of need, increasing demand for psychological support and a commitment to reaching more people earlier, before problems escalate.
Sherine Wheeler, Chief Executive of Fire Fighters Charity, said:
“Every day, across the UK, members of the fire services community step forward when others step back. They run towards danger, comfort people in their darkest moments, witness events most of us will never experience, and carry responsibilities that extend far beyond the end of a shift. And while communities see the courage it takes to do the job, they do not always see the personal cost.
“The effects of a life working in fire and rescue often last long after an incident is over. These impacts do not affect firefighters alone; they are felt by partners, children and families who serve alongside them in their own way. Every person behind the uniform deserves support, understanding and somewhere to turn when things become difficult.
“Our ambition is clear: by 2030, Fire Fighters Charity will double the number of people we support, so that many thousands more members of the UK fire services community can access the specialist, independent and trusted care they need so they can live well and feel valued and recognised for their service.
“We stand alongside the fire services community, committed to providing tailored, faster and independent healthcare and wellbeing support, wherever and whenever it is needed.”