With over 8,000 visitors and 450 exhibitors, the annual Emergency Services Show at NEC Birmingham is one of the largest gatherings of blue light organisations and businesses in the world. Well represented by fire service and search and rescue organisations, networks and suppliers, the exhibition offers us a good opportunity to showcase the work of The Fire Fighters Charity to others within our community and to discuss the future with potential partners and supporters.
Having once again secured a stand across the two day event, we used the 2019 show to raise awareness of our plans to further enhance our mental health services through the potential development of mindfulness and sensory gardens, as well as horticultural opportunities for our beneficiaries.
A generous donation from the Airport Fire Officers Association
We were also able to reflect on the recent visit of HRH The Duke of Cambridge to Harcombe House and to provide visitors to our stand with an overview of our work with The Royal Foundation, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the fire services community.
During the course of the two day event we also gratefully received a number of fundraising cheques from other organisations and visitors at the Show, including from our friends at the Airport Fire Officers Association and the Firefighters Challenge.
“We’re delighted with how the first day has gone,” said Director of Fundraising and Engagement Mark Evans when we caught up with him at the end of day one. “We’ve met some lovely people, had some fantastic conversations for future initiatives and happily collected some fundraising cheques. It’s been great to interact with so many people from the fire service community and share with them our extensive future plans and the continued development of our centres, and to network with other organisations of a similar mindset to us.”
Lynn and Barbara of the West Midlands Fire Service Shop were also at the show