Today we have launched a new 24/7 crisis line, to directly address suicide amongst present and past fire service personnel.
The Crisis Line – 0300 373 0896 – launched at the Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium, supported by HRH The Prince of Wales and The Royal Foundation.
In a video message which was shown at the event, His Royal Highness recognised the crisis line and the tireless work of all emergency responders. He also shared his thanks for the network of charities and services who work to support our emergency responder community.
We have launched the crisis line in response to an identified gap in provision and to directly support fire service personnel at a point of crisis.
The set up and Year One is funded by the Blue Light Card Foundation (BLCF) and sustainability funding for Years Two and Three has been agreed by fire and rescue services, supported by the NFCC.
The launch follows the publication in September of a suite of online suicide prevention and postvention resources for members of the fire services community impacted by suicide, or worried about themselves or someone else. You can find those at: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/safeplace.
Our Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, attended the Symposium today alongside our Director of Beneficiary Services, Sharon Bailey, our Director of Health Improvement & Influencing, Joss Gaynor, and more of our colleagues.
Sharon took part in a panel discussion around how emergency services are addressing the complex issue of suicide, from supporting individuals at risk to crisis intervention, while one of our beneficiaries joined a families panel alongside representatives from police and ambulance to explore challenges faced by families of emergency responders and to discuss actionable solutions.
Find out more about the Crisis Line here: