IFE launches Mental Health and Well-Being in Fire and Emergency Services Special Interest Group

In essence, this is a new international network dedicated to advancing Best Practice, fostering collaboration and championing positive mental health across the fire and Emergency Services sectors.

Bringing together practising professionals, the Special Interest Group will create opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, professional development and collaborative action. The official launch takes place on 15 September during a webinar designed to introduce the Special Interest Group’s vision for strengthening psychological well-being throughout the global fire and Emergency Services communities.  

Attendees will learn of the Special Interest Group’s ambitious programme of work aimed at raising awareness of the connection between well-being, safety and operational performance, as well as the tools and resources at its disposal and myriad opportunities for international collaboration.

Forefront of attention  

David Ware FIFireE, chair of the Special Interest Group, said: “I’m thrilled to see our new Special Interest Group ready to be launched. Promoting mental health and well-being has not always been at the forefront of the fire sector’s attention. That’s something we intend to remedy very soon.”   

Ware continued: “In this sector, many professionals put both their general and mental health on the line to help others. There should always be the support in place to ensure they can reach out on an ongoing basis for the resources and information they need.” 

Valuable platform

Paul Adams, CEO at the IFE, observed: “We’re excited to see the launch of this new Special Interest Group. Good mental health is an important consideration for everyone working within the fire sector. It ensures a healthy and safe working environment. This new IFE Special Interest Group will provide a valuable platform for collaboration, learning and embracing better mental health across our global community.”  

The creation of this Special Interest Group reflects the growing recognition of the importance of mental health and well-being within fire and Emergency Services domains. Through international collaboration, research and professional development, the Special Interest Group aims to support individuals and organisations in creating healthier working environments, while in parallel strengthening operational effectiveness and resilience.

*Book to attend the launch webinar for the Mental Health and Well-Being in Fire and Emergency Services Special Interest Group online

**Further information is available at www.ife.org.uk