A large group of people stands together on a green lawn outside a building with outdoor seating and green umbrellas, posing for a photo on a sunny day.

Celebrating 30 years of care and support at Jubilee House

We welcomed Chief and other principal fire officers from across the UK, senior leaders, individuals who have received our support, and dedicated volunteers.

This week, we were delighted to celebrate 30 years of Jubilee House, our centre in Cumbria.

Jubilee House offers tailored residential care and support to firefighters, control staff, and everyone working in – or retired from – the UK’s fire services, as well as their families and loved ones.

Opened by Princess Alexandra in 1995, Jubilee House has helped tens of thousands of individuals with expert clinical, physical, and psychological care and wellbeing support, delivered by multidisciplinary teams.

People line both sides of a bright hallway, clapping as someone walks down the center. The corridor is decorated with red and yellow flags, and many attendees wear badges or name tags. The atmosphere appears celebratory.

The celebration featured the official opening of the new Graham Gash Wing and the Butterfly Garden, funded by a generous legacy gift. Guests also visited the Longest Ride Garden, made possible by the fundraising of a 20-strong team of firefighters from South Yorkshire and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Services who cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats. These two outdoor spaces now offer calm, reflective environments with opportunities for therapeutic gardening for individuals staying at Jubilee House in support of their health and wellbeing.

A group of people, some in business attire and others in red shirts, stand in a gym with fitness equipment like treadmills and weights, listening to a person speaking at the front of the room.

We also unveiled major improvements to nursing rooms, generously funded by the Wolfson Foundation. These updates will give our service users greater independence and comfort during their time with the charity.

The celebration ended with a demonstration from a large group of Cumbria Fire Cadets, who showcased their teamwork with a series of fire drills in front of the crowd gathered along the beautiful riverbank next to Jubilee House.

Four people sit on a bench outside a brick building, three in formal uniforms with medals and one in a floral dress. They are smiling and talking, all wearing red lanyards with name badges.

Attending the day were charity representatives, Chief and other principal fire officers from across the UK, senior leaders from around the country, individuals who have received the charity’s support over the years, and dedicated volunteers.

Sherine Wheeler, Chief Executive of Fire Fighters Charity, said:

“Jubilee House holds a special place in the hearts of many generations of the fire family. It’s more than just a building – it’s a lifeline to thousands across our fire services community. For 30 years, it’s delivered tailored care that meets people’s unique needs – helping them manage the impact of service and find strength in recovery.

A woman speaks at a podium to a large, well-dressed audience gathered in a decorated hall with wooden beams and celebratory bunting. The crowd stands, listening and applauding.

“That legacy is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the dedication of our team, and the trust of those who turn to us.

“We’re especially grateful to the Gash family, the Wolfson Foundation, and the Longest Ride team – their support has created spaces that will truly transform lives.”

See just a few oh the photo highlights from the day in the gallery here: