Fire Fighters Charity launches national survey to better understand challenges of fire service life on relationships

Fire Fighters Charity understands the unique challenges faced by those in the fire service, particularly how these challenges can affect personal relationships. It offers support to individuals dealing with these issues through its services. In the first year of its 24/7 Crisis Line, which is there for fire service community members experiencing suicidal thoughts, 29% of callers cited relationship breakdown and family-related challenges as their primary reason for seeking help.

Fire Fighters Charity wants to better understand how the demands of fire service life affect partner relationships, so has launched a national survey, in collaboration with Relate at Family Action, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Nottingham Trent University,

The charity is asking participants to share their insights and experiences, whether positive or otherwise, so that it can provide the right support to the fire family, when it is needed most. 

Joss Gaynor, Fire Fighters Charity’s Director of Impact and Service Partnerships, says: “Being in the fire service can be incredibly rewarding and a source of immense pride for families. However, it also comes with unique pressures that can strain relationships with those who matter most to us.

“We see the effects of these challenges firsthand. Many of those who reach out for support are struggling in their relationship -often at breaking point. We exist to support everyone in the fire and rescue service to live well during and after service and we’re keen to hear from everyone in our community who’s either in a relationship or has been in one at some point. Sharing your stories will help us build and shape our support for all couples in the fire service community.”

If you’re in a relationship – or have been in a relationship – where at least one of you has worked in the fire and rescue service, especially if either of you has ever worked as an operational firefighter – the charity would love for you to take part in the anonymous survey.

It takes between 15-30 minutes and by taking part you’ll have the chance to win a week-long self-catering holiday at one of the charity’s centres* or one of three £50 Amazon vouchers. 

Take part now: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/relationship-survey-pr

*Prize to be taken outside of peak season periods (31 March – 31 October). Prize draw open to eligible service users of Fire Fighters Charity only, excluding charity employees. 

The Fire Fighters Charity

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