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.
Former firefighter Paul Weller didn't like to talk about his problems - but it was only after he reached crisis point that he says that changed. He now hopes his story will inspire others to seek help earlier. Deputy Chair of our Board of Trustees, Neil Gibbins, shares how he reached out for mental health support himself after being diagnosed with inoperable cancer – before attending our Reset Programme. Scottish Crew Commander Ewan Diven took on a huge challenge in 2023 of 365 cold water therapy dips, to raise funds for us and spread the word about how our support helped him. When Simon Porter, a firefighter with Essex County FRS, was involved in a horror paramotoring accident, he thought it spelled the end of his career. Here, he and his wife Gemma share how we helped him get back on the run - and boost his mental wellbeing in the process. Piotr Gudan, an on-call firefighter with Scottish FRS, has received both physical and mental health support from us and says it’s a reassurance to have us there in the future, given the huge demands of his role.
Paul: “Talking about your problems is not a weakness, it shows strength”
Neil: “We’ve both been in a very dark place – seeing the support available has been awe-inspiring”
Ewan: “I wish I’d got in touch sooner than I did, it’s never too early… it changed my life”
Gemma: “My husband came home a different person – this is my thank you to you”
Piotr: “Not many people realise the toll of on-call firefighting – it’s tough but rewarding”
