The Fire Fighters Charity Crisis Line
Supported by Blue Light Card Foundation

Firefighters in the UK regularly face high-stress situations that can take a serious toll on their mental health, often leading to severe issues such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Recognising this need, with the support from the Blue Light Card Foundation, a crisis line was launched on November 1, 2023. This collaborative effort aims to provide firefighters with immediate, life-saving support when they need it most.

This service provides firefighters with immediate, confidential access to trained mental health professionals who offer compassionate support, help callers develop safety plans, and connect them with additional resources for ongoing care.

Since its launch, the Crisis Line has not only helped 135 individuals directly but has also potentially affected the lives of over 18,225 family members, friends, and colleagues who benefit indirectly from improved mental health and well-being.

Discover real-life examples of transformation and impact through our collection of insightful case studies below:

Leon contacted the Crisis Line during a particularly dark time in his life. Following a family bereavement, compounded by personal health issues and the threat of homelessness, Leon felt utterly hopeless and formulated a plan to end his life.

The team assessed Leon’s emotional state and helped him identify the root causes of his distress.

They created a safety plan to secure his medication and encouraged Leon to spend time with his children and grandchildren to foster a sense of connection and support.

They also scheduled CAMS sessions to further explore his feelings and circumstances. Although he experienced a small relapse, the techniques provided by his counsellor equipped him to manage his emotions better.

Hannah, a dedicated firefighter, had been off work for nearly two months due to severe mental health challenges. Struggling with a contentious custody battle and feeling overwhelmed, she reached a crisis point where she developed a plan for self-harm.

Upon contacting the Crisis Line, Hannah was met with empathy and understanding. The crisis team, supported by resources made available through the Blue Light Card Foundation’s grant, engaged her in a supportive conversation, helping her identify her protective factors, her children and partner. Together, they created a safety plan, including steps for securing potentially harmful items and scheduling immediate structured intervention sessions through the Collaborative Approach to Managing Suicide Ideation (CAMS).

Over five daily CAMS sessions, she learned to unpack her emotional distress and develop coping strategies. She reported feeling more stable and empowered to make difficult decisions that would ultimately benefit her and her family. Hannah successfully returned to work, where she also took advantage of additional counselling services offered by her employer.

The Fire Fighters Charity Crisis Line Supported by Blue Light Card Foundation

Since its launch, the Crisis Line has not only helped 135 individuals directly but has also potentially affected the lives of over 18,225 family members, friends, and colleagues who benefit indirectly from improved mental health and well-being.

Leon contacted the Crisis Line during a particularly dark time in his life. Following a family bereavement, compounded by personal health issues and the threat of homelessness, Leon felt utterly hopeless and formulated a plan to end his life.

Hannah, a dedicated firefighter, had been off work for nearly two months due to severe mental health challenges. Struggling with a contentious custody battle and feeling overwhelmed, she reached a crisis point where she developed a plan for self-harm.

The Fire Fighters Charity Crisis Line
Supported by Blue Light Card Foundation