Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have long been champions of positive mental health, both for our own operational and support staff, but also for the wider community. We like to think that when things are at their worst, we are always there for you, whoever you are.
We're proud to have developed and embedded initiatives to reduce the stigma attached to mental ill health, enabling staff to speak more openly and access help and support, as and when it is required.
We work closely with mental health charities including Samaritans and Wirral Mind and have 34 Blue Light Champions available for people to speak to should the need arise. These champions have all undergone mental health first aid training and are ready and willing to help promote mental health conversations across the service by sharing their own personal experiences. All of our vulnerable persons’ advocates who work within the community of Merseyside have also received this training.
MFRS Blue Light Champions Claire, John & Steve shared their own mental health experiences, with the hope that by doing so, they can help to reduce the stigma and in turn encourage others to speak out and ask for support.
Remember, it's ok to not be ok.