Rich: “We join this job to help people… what we’re not so great at is helping ourselves”
Rich Welch, Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Avon FRS, shares how a call to us following the Grenfell Tower tragedy proved life-changing for him.
Real life story categories
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.
Firefighter Tracey Garrett attended our Menopause Programme at Harcombe House and says it was invaluable – not only in teaching her coping strategies, but also creating lasting bonds with like-minded others. Helen Martin has visited Harcombe House with her daughter Holly ever since she was involved in a devastating riding accident. Here, she shares how we’ve supported her and her family… Retired Watch Manager, Martin Aldred, shares how we’ve supported both his physical and mental health – and why taking the time to look after yourself, early, can pay dividends in the long run. West Yorkshire Crew Manager, Jon Arey, received support and guidance from us when he moved house with his daughter and faced financial challenges.
Tracey: “It was great to meet other people going through menopause and see I wasn’t alone”
Helen: “You offered respite and financial aid after my daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury”
Martin: “I don’t think I’d be where I am today without the charity’s help”
Jon: “Your support was life-saving – I literally didn’t have food to put on the table”