Celia: “I’d had help before during a horrible stage in my life, so I knew I could get in touch again”
For nearly 50 years, Celia Weller has been at the other end of the phone helping people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives
Working in Fire Control, she’s answered countless 999 calls, offering comfort and support to thousands of people. The role includes long shifts, difficult conversations and pressures along the way, but it’s a career Celia has thoroughly enjoyed, knowing the difference she’s made.
Now, as she approaches retirement from London Fire Brigade, Celia is getting ready for a very different chapter. With life away from constant shifts and her close colleagues, she reached out to us for some support and guidance on making the most of the years ahead.
We spoke to her at Harcombe House, where she was on our Transitions into Retirement Programme – and she told us it had been “fantastic”.
“I’ve been in the fire service for 47 years and I’ve taken so many different calls, I can’t imagine how many, over that time,” says Celia. “Whether it’s people shut in a lift, house fires, giving fire survival guidance to people trapped in buildings, or even animals trapped, there’s been everything you can imagine.
“It’s a really nice feeling when you hear the firefighters arrive over the phone, and know the person you’ve been speaking to has been rescued. Through all of it, it’s been a great career, I’ve loved it.”
Celia first got in touch with us around two years ago, when she was experiencing some challenges with her mental health: “I visited Harcombe House on the Reset Programme at the time, which was just invaluable, it was brilliant. They helped me no end.
“Then more recently when I saw the retirement programme advertised online I thought, ‘well I’m at another crossroads here, and they helped me out before during a really horrible stage in my life, so I’ll get in touch again for some help and advice’.
“The process was very easy – and it hasn’t disappointed. All the programmes and sessions we’ve done have been fantastic, the people here are great and they really listen. They’re the best!”
Celia says her main concerns ahead of retirement have been “keeping healthy, mobile, and mentally stimulated”:
“Fire Fighters Charity has really focused on all of these elements,” she says. “When you feel like you’re coming towards the last chapter of your life, you want to keep as healthy as you can, mentally and physically.”
The programme brings people from across the UK together, whether they’re firefighters, control officers, people working in a support role or family members, to try several different sessions and workshops that help them prepare for retirement.
“When you’re doing shifts all the time for 47 years, it’s good to talk to other people about how you’re going to deal with not being on a set shift pattern,” Celia adds.
“The time away has made me think about what I’m going to do – not necessarily major plans – but just options and hobbies to take up. The staff here are amazing and really put your mind at rest.
“Talking to the other four people on my programme has been fantastic too, we’ve been discussing all our own experiences in the fire service and I’ve loved it. I don’t really want to go home now!
“We’ve all realised we’re one big fire family, no matter what service or role you’re in.”
If you feel you’d benefit from our health and wellbeing support, you can call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820, make an enquiry online or click below:
