Sometimes reaching out for a helping hand can seem one of the hardest things to do – but as Jon Arey discovered, it can also be a lifeline.
The West Yorkshire Crew Manager has shared how he found himself in a challenging time financially when he moved home following a separation, before reaching out to us for support.
Here, he shares how we supported him:
Jon told us: “My personal circumstances changed quite dramatically – I found myself with me and my daughter as a single parent after a breakup, and ultimately we moved.
“When I moved I found myself in a situation where I literally couldn’t afford to buy food. It was a really difficult situation, it was very embarrassing, and I really didn’t know what to do.
“I started going to one of my friends who suggested the Fire Fighters Charity, which was able to help me.
“For one month I got financial support from the Fire Fighters Charity and that meant the world to me because – not that I don’t like owing people anything – but it meant that I could take that help and support and I didn’t owe anybody anything at the end of it, which was absolutely wonderful for me.
“It was a life-saving thing for me at that point, I literally didn’t have any food to put on the table.”
If you feel you’d benefit from our health and wellbeing support, you can call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820, make an enquiry online or visit the ‘Access Support’ tab in My Fire Fighters Charity.
And remember – if you’re feeling suicidal, you can call our Crisis Line 24 hours a day on 0300 373 0896.