Health and wellbeing takes centre stage at The Emergency Services Show

Health and wellbeing will take centre stage at The Emergency Services Show 2025, with a packed line-up of sessions and live demos aimed at helping blue light staff look after both body and mind. From firefighter-led workouts to practical advice on burnout and a charity offering counselling in the outdoors, the programme brings together a wide range of approaches.

As part of a special mini podcast series previewing the show, I spoke to some of the speakers who will be sharing their expertise on wellbeing at this year’s show.

Firefighter-led workouts with Angela Everington

On 18 September, firefighter and qualified personal trainer Angela Everington will lead three workout sessions open to all visitors. Each class will include adaptations so that everyone, regardless of fitness level, can take part. You can find more information about her session here.

Angela, who recently launched The Blue Light Health Club, sees the show as a chance to connect.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet people and strengthen a community of those who really understand what you do.”

Her sessions will address the realities of staying fit around shift work. “The three things to focus on are goals, routine and compromise,” she says. “If you have a heavy shift and the following day was meant to be your training day, just go easy on yourself and allow your body the time to rest.”

Spotting burnout with Dr Richard Duggins

Psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr Richard Duggins will join the People and Skills stage to explore how to recognise and manage burnout. Drawing on his new book Burnout Free Working, he will share practical tools to help individuals and organisations spot the signs before they reach crisis point. You can find more information on his session here.

He uses the simple ‘Code RED’ framework: “Reduced enjoyment, emotional exhaustion, and distancing from our feelings. Burnout isn’t a sudden blow out, it’s a quiet, gradual erosion.”

For Richard, recovery begins with connection: “The most important step is don’t go silent. Burnout thrives in silence, and recovery begins with connecting with people.”

Walking therapy with Mind Over Mountains

Charity Mind Over Mountains will be based in the Collaboration Zone, where visitors can learn more about its model of combining professional counselling and coaching with guided walks in nature.

“Instead of having an appointment with a counsellor or a coach, we offer professional mental health support out in nature. You are literally hiking in beautiful countryside, but walking alongside you are our trained coaches and qualified counsellors.”

Helen Wooldridge, Head of Communications and Partnerships.

The team will share how their retreats and programmes have supported emergency services staff and how they could help teams across different organisations.

A broad wellbeing theme

These highlights sit within a wider wellbeing programme at this year’s show, which will also include live sports demos from Team Police, Police Sport UK and the British Firefighter Challenge. From nutrition advice to opportunities for hands-on participation, the sessions are designed to offer both practical takeaways and inspiration. Find out more about Fitness in Focus.

Together, Angela, Richard and Helen highlight the different ways wellbeing can be supported – through fitness, mental health education and the restorative power of the outdoors.

Join us on 17-18 September at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co-located with The Emergency Tech Show, register for your free pass here.