05.04.19
Mind joins forces with Cumbria firefighters to share mental health message
Mental health charity Mind has teamed up with Cumbria County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) to change the way we think about mental health as part of the ‘Time to Change’ campaign.
As many as one in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime, so in a bid to raise awareness of the campaign and promote Mind’s dedicated Mindline mental health service in the region, CFRS has crated a fully-wrapped fire engine.
The fire engine will be highly-visible across the region and reinforce the message that no one should have to face a mental health problem alone, hence why hundreds of employers including councils, the NHS, community groups, charities, and schools have come together to change how we think and act about mental health.
Cumbria’s chief fire officer Steve Healey welcomed the latest addition to CFRS’ fleet: “This is CFRS’ second wrapped fire engine and we’re really proud to be working with Mind and the Time to Change campaign to support this important and worthwhile issue.
"Our emergency services save lives every day and managing the mental health of our firefighters really matters to me. National research shows blue light teams will always need support with their mental health, because of the pressures they face in their roles.
“The county council is committed to improving the mental health support provided to our employees and we recently signed a new Mental Health Charter, which reinforces the council’s commitment to improve workforce health and welling.”
Michael Boaden, spokesperson for Carlisle Eden Mind, said: “We were delighted to be approached by CFRS and the finished result looks superb. Mental Health issues affect so many people and many feel very isolated with the conditions that impact their lives so seriously. Our Mindline service aims to support people and provide information and guidance.”