WELLBEING
Blue Light Programme
Blue Light Programme - Emergency action for Blue Light staff
We’re Mind and we’re experts in mental health. With government funding, we have launched a major
new programme to help police, ambulance, fire and search and rescue staff and volunteers to talk
openly about mental health – and to find the right support.
Our independent research shows fire fighters, and other emergency service staff and volunteers, are
more at risk of experiencing a mental health problem than the general population, but are less likely to
get support or take time off work.
Our survey of 3,500 emergency services personnel found that nearly 9 in 10 emergency services staff
and volunteers surveyed have experienced stress, low mood and poor mental health at some point while
working for the emergency services. Our research also found that:
• 7 out of 10 think their organisation does not encourage them
to talk about mental health
• Over half were not aware of the mental health support their
organisation offers
• 44% thought colleagues would be treated differently in a
negative way if they disclosed a mental health problem at work.
Many of those surveyed experienced symptoms of stress and anxiety such as loss of sleep, loss of
appetite and anger but were still reluctant to seek support.
“I’ve been quite open about all of it with my bosses and colleagues. They have been really
supportive. Since I have spoken out, other colleagues including senior officers have told me how
they went through that 20 years ago. It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one; that
people do get through it and progress.“ Richard, fire service
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