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A mental health charity is urging emergency workers to look after their own wellbeing as they head into what is often the busiest and most demanding period of the year.
Mind Over Mountains says blue light staff in particular face steep spikes in workload, fatigue and emotional strain in December, alongside the financial pressures everyone feels. For first responders, the festive season isn’t just busier – it’s more dangerous, with accident rates rising by more than 40 per cent.
As part of its support offer, the charity is running a subsidised post-festive retreat for emergency workers on Dartmoor.
“For anyone feeling under pressure or seeking to develop coping mechanisms, the weekend will provide an opportunity to re-set for a new year, take stock and think about what you’d like to do differently. This could mean stop doing something, doing more of it – or less of it.”
Di West, Head of Wellbeing, Mind over Mountains.
Ambulance services expect at least a 10 per cent rise in callouts over Christmas and New Year. South East Coast Ambulance Service chief operating officer Jen Allan says the run-up to Christmas “is always a busy time of year”. The service handled more than 90,000 calls in December last year.
Police officers also face intense exposure to trauma. Research shows they can experience up to 200 times more traumatic events than the general population, and two-thirds of UK emergency responders report lived experience of mental ill health. Police Care UK says 100 police officers have died by suicide in the past three years and estimates one in five may be living with PTSD.
“Demand is rising and the impact on people is clear,” the charity says. “More needs to be done to support those carrying the weight of frontline roles.”
Mind Over Mountains runs its retreats and guided walks in places such as Dartmoor, the Peak District, the Lake District and the Welsh mountains. Each one includes time outdoors, mindfulness sessions and support from trained coaches and counsellors.
“Time in nature, physical activity, connection with others, and the chance to be mindful are the principles that underpin Mind Over Mountains’ nature-based approach to mental health and wellbeing. We are committed to bringing those programmes to those who need them most – particularly those in our emergency services and the NHS.”
Ian Boyd, Chief Executive, Mind over Mountains.
The charity works with police forces, ambulance services, the College of Paramedics and the Blue Light Foundation to deliver sessions specifically for blue light teams.
Anyone can join the wider wellbeing retreats held in national parks including the Lakes, Peak District, Eryri (Snowdonia) and Dartmoor. Fees cover accommodation, guides and counsellors, but bursaries are available. Details, including booking for the January 2026 retreat, are available here.
“For me, the retreat felt daunting at first – three days in the wilderness with people I didn’t know,” says Ruth, who previously took part in the Dartmoor weekend. “But it made such a positive difference, and I came away with tools I use every day.”
Discounts are available for blue light workers, and some places can be fully funded thanks to support from Summit to Share and the Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust.
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