The FIA & Mates in Mind Partnership
The FIA & Mates in Mind Partnership: We are delighted to announce that the FIA is working in partnership with Mates in Mind, a registered charity that is supporting us to build positive mental health within the fire industry.
The charity provides clear information to UK employers on available support and guidance on mental health, as well as how they can address and improve this across their organisations, with support looking to identify and mitigate the contributing factors.
According to the HSE, stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 46% of work-related ill health and 55% of all working days lost due to ill health in 2023/24. Furthermore, 70% of managers cited organisational barriers to supporting staff wellbeing (Deloitte).
Even though many of us will experience stress, depression or anxiety at some point in our lives, we recognise that the stigma that surrounds mental health can prevent people from seeking support when they need it.
Mates in Mind helps organisations take an important step towards breaking the silence and stigma that can surround mental health. We are joining an ever-growing community of organisations working with Mates in Mind, who are taking action to improve the mental health of their workforces.
As a Supporter of Mates in Mind, you gain access to support, a suite of communication materials, as well as a range of awareness and training programmes – helping us to take a joined-up approach to improving mental health.
Since Mates in Mind was established, Mates in Mind has empowered hundreds of organisations across the UK to tackle the silence surrounding mental ill-heath and embed a positive culture change within these workplaces.
They have enabled hundreds of organisations within the construction sector to transform the mental health culture of their workplaces.
Mates in Mind offer tailored programmes, and they have supported organisations of all sizes to start vital conversations about mental health and have gained recognition across a range of industries.
As the largest fire protection trade association in the UK, we are uniquely positioned to help raise awareness and promote best practice with regards to mental health within our industry in proud partnership with Mates in Mind.
We already promote professional standards within the industry through our popular classroom based training packages, reaching thousands of individuals each year, providing a great opportunity to start the conversation and get people thinking, talking and acting on mental health.
The people within any organisation are fundamental to the success of that organisation. We hope to influence leaders to be proactive with regards to mental health, not just by producing a policy, but by actively promoting mental health within their business and providing support to those who need it.
Steve Simper – Mental Health Champion & Trainer, FIA
Need to Talk?
For crisis support, please call the Samaritans on 116 123 or use the 24/7 text support detailed below. You can also access details on a range of other support services, including bereavement, debt, gambling etc. on the Mates in Mind website: https://www.matesinmind.org/need-help.
As part of our partnership with Mates in Mind, we're proud to promote their "Be A Mate" text service – a free, confidential mental health support line available 24/7.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just need someone to talk to, simply text: "BEAMATE" to 85258 and a trained volunteer will be there to listen, support, and help you move forward.
This service is completely free, and available to anyone in the UK at any time – day or night.
