Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service signs mental health pledge

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has become the latest organisation to join the growing number of emergency service employers and associations showing their commitment to ending mental health stigma and discrimination in the workplace by signing the Blue Light Time to Change pledge.

The signing ceremony took place at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service headquarters when Chief Fire Officer, John Redmond and Fire Authority chair, Stuart West pledged their support to the Blue Light Programme, promoting a better understanding of mental health problems while offering support and wellbeing advice to their staff and volunteers.

John Redmond said: “addressing mental health in the same, positive way we sustain physical health is key element of our aim to sustain and support a healthy workforce.”

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service joins the wide movement of emergency service employers and associations that have pledged to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination, including Derbyshire Fire & Rescue, Kent Fire and Rescue Kent Police, Leicestershire Police, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “Not only are many of our blue light personnel struggling with their mental health, but they’re less likely to seek support or have time off sick than the general workforce.

“Good mental health should be a priority in any workplace but it is especially important that people exposed to traumatic of life-threatening situations - such as those working within the police, ambulance, fire and search and rescue services – receive appropriate support.

By signing the Blue Light Time to Change pledge Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is helping to fight stigma and promote positive mental health in emergency services.”