Find out how Fire Fighters Charity has supported service users across the UK and how you can share your story with the fire community. Click categories or regions below to filter the list of stories.
Shelley Robinson, a firefighter with London Fire Brigade, has received our help twice – firstly amid difficulties with her mental health, and again more recently as she faced long-term symptoms of Covid-19. The walking group encourages anyone joining to discuss any concerns or struggles they’re going through – before signposting anyone that needs further support to us. Retired firefighter Russell Webb has been helped by us for years, having suffered an accident at work and later tragically losing his wife and both his parents within less than two years. Keith Baxter and his wife Barbara were looking forward to their retirement together when she had a devastating accident and was left needing 24-7 care. Here he reveals how the charity helped him in the most difficult times. Zak Shafique was not long into his career with the London Fire Brigade when he suffered a brain injury in what at first appeared to be a minor car accident. He reflects on the support he received during lockdown and his road to recovery.
Shelley: “No-one had a clue I was in a bad place, I put up a front all the time”
Men’s fire service walking group shines a light on mental health
Russell: “So many men are struggling with mental health – they need to know there’s help there”
Keith: “I was caring for my wife alone, the regular calls were invaluable”
Zak: “You’ve helped me find the most ‘me’ version of myself for who I am right now”
