Firefighters in Wales are increasingly struggling with mental health issues, prompting urgent calls for better support and resources.
South Wales: The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dealing with a troubling rise in staff absences linked to mental health issues. It’s becoming a real concern.
The Fire Brigades Union has labeled this situation a ‘crisis’ affecting fire and rescue services across the UK. It’s not just a local problem; it’s widespread.
Recent data highlights that stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD are the main culprits behind these absences over the past three years. It’s alarming to see how many are affected.
Even more concerning is that the number of firefighters leaving the service after taking time off for mental health reasons has doubled recently. That’s a big jump.
From 2021 to 2024, 476 staff members took at least one day off for mental health issues, and the numbers keep climbing each year. In 2023/24 alone, there were 186 recorded absences, a 29% increase from the previous year.
Matt Wrack, the FBU’s general secretary, pointed out that we’re facing a serious mental health crisis in the fire service. It’s tough work, and they see a lot of traumatic incidents.
He emphasized that mental health support is crucial for these brave individuals. In the 2021/22 period, 10% of those who took time off for mental health ended up leaving the service, and that number jumped to 20% in the following two years.
While it’s unclear if mental health was the only reason for leaving, the FBU insists that this crisis needs urgent attention. Wrack stressed that despite the evidence of struggles, mental health support varies greatly across the UK fire services.
He called for the central government to step up and provide the necessary investment to help rebuild the support systems for firefighters. It’s time to take action.
