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.
Retired firefighter Andy began struggling with fatigue during the pandemic, despite not having had Covid. He later discovered it was linked to his mental health and says reaching out for help was the best thing he could have done. This summer we are launching Fire Friends, a telephone befriending provision, offering social support and connection to our retired beneficiaries - and one of the first to try it is Joan O'Connor. Steve Johnson has been one of our dedicated volunteers from the moment he started in Cleveland Fire Brigade in 1992. Now, as he retires from his job, he reveals why his roles have been so rewarding – and why he hopes to continue into the future. Retired firefighter Mick Lilley sadly lost his wife to leukaemia just over two years ago and says he was supported throughout the pandemic by our Living Well Groups. Here he shares how they helped him find the confidence to find happiness again. Paul Astle, who was a firefighter with South Yorkshire FRS for 18 years, was his wife’s full-time carer for several years. He says spending time on our online Living Well Groups became a break he really needed in the pandemic.
Andy: “I’d spent years refusing help like this, but it has just opened my life again”
Joan: “The befriending calls I’ve had from you are wonderful, I couldn’t do without them”
Steve: “I’ve been volunteering here for 30 years – I’d encourage anyone to get involved”
Mick: “You were there for me when I needed it most and helped me move forward with my life”
Paul: “The Living Well Groups offer that bit of escapism when you’re feeling lonely”
