At the Fire Industry Association, we believe that safety extends beyond fire protection – it includes the mental wellbeing of those working across our sector. That’s why, this World Mental Health Day, we are proud to reaffirm our partnership with Mates in Mind to support improved mental health across the fire industry.

Why World Mental Health Day Matters

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 776,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2023/24. Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 46% of work-related ill health and 55% of all working days lost during that period.

The causes are often complex – from high job demands and a lack of control to limited support or challenging work relationships. For organisations in our industry, ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of employees is both a legal responsibility and a moral one. The benefits of supporting mental wellbeing are clear: improved confidence, stronger relationships, increased productivity, and reduced absence. Research from Deloitte UK has found that businesses achieve an average return of £5 for every £1 spent on wellbeing support.

FIA and Mates in Mind: Working Together for Change

The FIA joined forces with Mates in Mind to help employers across the fire industry develop the skills, clarity and confidence to address mental health in the workplace. Through this partnership, FIA members have access to resources that empower them to:

• Raise awareness and improve understanding of mental health in the workplace.
• Implement effective support and prevention measures.
• Foster open conversations to end stigma around mental health.
• Create a culture that supports wellbeing at all levels.

Mates in Mind has developed a suite of tools to help organisations build sustainable, positive workplace cultures that prioritise mental health. These include a resource pack providing practical guidance on embedding organisational change, as well as a language resource designed to promote positive, stigma-free communication.

Access Free Resources

Both FIA members and non-members can access resources to help mark World Mental Health Day and beyond.

• Supporters can log in to the Mates in Mind portal to download exclusive materials.
• Non-supporters can complete a short form to access free resources, including posters and mental health guides.

To learn more about how Mates in Mind supports mental health in the fire industry, visit the FIA partnership page: The FIA joins forces with Mates in Mind to promote mental wellbeing across the fire industry

On this World Mental Health Day, we encourage all our members and partners to take time to reflect, talk, and support one another. Together, we can continue building an industry where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical safety.

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