Shout!Podcast

Join us for the first in a new season of episodes of the Shout!Podcast, where we delve into the realities faced by men in the fire service during Men's Health Month.
Rebecca, our Content Editor, brings you candid conversations with three beneficiaries of Fire Fighters Charity, each sharing their personal journeys through mental health challenges and physical health battles.

First, we hear from Dean, a firefighter with London Fire Brigade, who opens up about his own mental health challenges and the stigma surrounding men's mental health in the emergency services. Dean shares how his experiences led to the creation of Walk and Talk 999, a support network aimed at encouraging open dialogue among male colleagues.

Next, Gee from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service recounts his mental health journey and how reaching out for support made a significant difference to his recovery. He emphasises the importance of recognising early signs and the value of proactive mental health education.

Finally, we chat with George from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, who bravely shares his journey through a testicular cancer diagnosis and recovery. George highlights the need for men to be vigilant about their physical health and the benefits of seeking support during challenging times.

If these stories resonate with you, remember our Support Line is always available: 0800 3898820. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the Shout!Podcast to stay updated with our latest episodes.
Chapters

00:00:00 " Welcome to Shout! Podcast

00:01:12 " Dean's story

00:09:54 " Mental health stigma

00:12:12 " Getting help before you need it

00:17:05 " Gee's story

00:20:41 " Reaching out for help

00:29:54 " George's story

00:33:56 " Coping mechanisms

00:34:57 " Spreading awareness of testicular cancer among men

00:38:32 " Talking to others affected by cancer

00:40:23 " Get in touch with Shout! Podcast

Important links

• Find out more about Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk
• Seek support from Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/need-help or call the Support Line directly on: 0800 3898820.
• Find out more about the Reset Programme: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/reset
• Get in touch with the show by emailing: [email protected]
• Read the full transcript: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/shout-mens-health

Support the show

In this episode we take a close look at some of the health and wellbeing issues affecting those who have retired from the fire service, ask why they happen and what you can do about them. We speak to psychologist and Honorary Research Lead at Nottingham Trent University, Dr Rowena Hill, about her latest research and how you can get involved in it (details below). We also catch up with retired Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tony Proctor, to hear how retirement affected him, and speak to Ian Ferguson from the National Association of Retired Firefighters to get his thoughts on the simple steps you can take to adjust to life in retirement: www.narfire.org.uk

How to get involved in the research:

In collaboration with The Fire Fighters Charity, Nottingham Trent University and the University of Queensland, you are invited to take part in an online research programme for retired firefighters. The team is looking for firefighters who have retired within the last 12 months. So if you fit the bill, you can find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/shoutresearch or email: [email protected].

Support the show

We meet Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, doctor of behavioural neuroscience and author of The Heat of The Moment – A Firefighter’s Stories of Life and Death Decisions. Discussing the importance of positive mental health and her work to support firefighters with heat of the moment decision making, Sabrina talks openly about the things that have haunted her and inspired her to write. With The Fire Fighters Charity facing a fundraising shortfall of £200,000 a month due to the coronavirus, we also reveal why it’s important that you donate through an Urgent Appeal to help the Charity through these troubling times.

Support the show

This episode focuses on the importance of sleep to your health and well-being. We speak to Psychological Therapist Kim Fry, to find out a bit more about some of the common issues affecting sleep for members of the fire services community. We also catch up with Watch Manager Mark Schofield, to find out how help from the Charity eventually allowed him to escape his demons and enjoy a good night’s sleep. And later on, Exercise Therapist Rachel Rees has a ten-minute guided relaxation for you to enjoy at home.

Support the show

For World Sleep Day, here's a bonus episode of our Podcast Plus, featuring a relaxation brought to you by Mary, one of our Nursing Team based at Jubilee House. Set aside 10 minutes to listen, relax and unwind. And don't forget you can find other resources online at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/relax

Support the show