![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
With fire and rescue services up and down the country marking Mental Health Awareness Week this week, two have shared powerful films designed to help people who may be struggling.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s (AF&RS) film focuses on one of its firefighters, Tom, who who has turned his own mental health journey into a mission to support others, raise awareness, and promote open conversations around wellbeing and neurodiversity.
Tom has faced long-standing challenges with depression, anxiety, and undiagnosed ADHD. Before joining the fire service full-time, he spent 17 years in office-based roles — an environment that didn’t suit his neurodiverse needs and contributed to periods of poor mental health. Becoming a firefighter brought new purpose, a strong team dynamic, and a role that better aligned with his strengths and wellbeing.
In 2021, during a particularly difficult time, Tom reached out to Samaritans in crisis. Their support, compassion, and ability to simply listen made a lasting impact.
“Calling Samaritans was the best decision I made. Just having someone to talk to — who listened without judgement — grounded me in that moment,It showed me the power of opening up, and I’ve been determined to talk more openly about mental health ever since.”
Tom Sharp, firefighter at AF&RS.
Meanwhile, West Midlands Fire Service’s (WMFS) film spotlights some of the signs of poor mental health to look out for.
As the service points out, the health and wellbeing of its staff is vital to delivering the amazing services its communities prize so highly. That’s why taking the first step to ask for help, or checking in with someone who might be struggling, can make all the difference.
WMFS says that much of the work carried out by many of its staff can be both physically and mentally demanding. So the service makes sure there’s always somewhere to turn – be that its Occupational Health team, The Fire Fighters Charity, support networks or employee assistance programmes.
To read similar articles, check out our People & Skills channel
