Over the past 24 hours we have been overwhelmed by the messages of support we have received from members of the public wishing to pass on their thanks and appreciation to the fire fighting community for all that they are doing in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.
As has been seen in the news footage that has emerged, and as we have heard from our own volunteers from London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, this devastating incident has once again highlighted the selfless dedication and bravery of the UK fire and rescue service.
In the days and weeks that follow we at The Fire Fighters Charity would like to remind all our beneficiaries – frontline firefighters, support and control staff – that we are here for you and your families, should you need support in the wake of this unprecedented situation in north Kensington.
“Our role as your charity is to ensure that we can support you, if and when you need help.”
Dr Jill Tolfrey
“We know that incidents like this can have a serious and lasting impact on the emotional wellbeing and mental health of firefighters and control staff,” commented Dr Jill Tolfrey, Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity. “Every day you deal with situations and see things that no one should ever have to see. However, you approach this task with unfaltering professionalism and, as we have seen at Grenfell Tower, with selfless determination to save lives and to help those in the local community.
“Our role as your charity is to ensure that we can support you, if and when you need help to overcome physical or psychological trauma yourself. Our Services Access Line – 0800 389 8820 – is open from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and from 9am-5pm on Saturdays. We can provide advice, information and support to any fire and rescue service personnel affected by this or any other incident they may attend. So please do give us a ring if you need to.”