Being part of the fire service automatically makes you a part of the UK’s fire family – but often, your loved ones at home may not see that camaraderie first-hand.
In an effort to forge those connections between home and work life, Avon FRS held a special Open Day dedicated to staff and their families and friends recently.
The day’s activities were held in support of us, with families also given the opportunity to hear about what’s on offer to them – including our family programmes, online resources and the chance to take home our children’s book, The Wolf Was Not Sleeping.
The idea came from Watch Manager Tony Dineen, who wanted to get everyone feeling more connected, particularly after Covid. And helping him to organise the day was Olivia King, Marketing & Major Projects Assistant Business Partner with Avon FRS.
She says: “It was a really great day, really family friendly. We invited everyone across the service and any of their family and friends, so it was open to everyone.
“We had a few stalls in the engine house – including one for our wellbeing team and The Fire Fighters Charity – where people could hear about what’s available to families, as well as getting some wellbeing advice. Mental health is so important at the moment, so loved ones being able to hear what’s available to them was great.
“Then we had a tombola, a cake stall, face painting, cookie decorating, a food truck and ice cream truck, as well as operational demonstrations from crews and more.”
Natalie Searle, our Community Fundraiser in Avon, adds: “Avon’s family day was a fantastic opportunity to bring people together and I want to thank everyone involved in organising it. It was a fantastic way for us to engage with a wide range of beneficiaries such as support staff and families, many of whom may not have realised they’re eligible for our support.
“We offer a wealth of services to families of fire and rescue service personnel, so it was great to share some of those on the day. I’d encourage any other fire and rescue services to take on this idea themselves, it was really enjoyable and a lovely new way of raising vital funds – all of which go directly towards supporting members of our fire services community.”
To find out more about support available to families, click here:
