It’s no secret that life in the fire and rescue service is tough and can have a major impact on mental wellness. So in this week’s Shout!Podcast, we discuss the importance of taking care of yourself – and ways to build up resilience.
We speak to the Charity’s Wellness and Behaviour Change Coach AJ Whitaker to delve into both mental wellness and resilience – looking at the different ways your individual wellness can be impacted, while also focusing on how resilience can be learned and nurtured – for example, in retirement.
Then we hear from Kelvyn Thompson, crew manager for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, on how the Charity helped him overcome a very low point in his mental wellbeing. Kelvyn visited Harcombe House in 2019, as he struggled in the aftermath of an incident he’d experienced in Iraq. He explains how the Charity helped him discover the tools he needed to change his life around.
Finally, Kim and AJ reflect on Kelvyn’s story and discuss how he showed incredible resilience following his harrowing experience – before discussing the ways people can become more resilient and how it all starts with asking for help.
We also have another Podcast Plus this week, with AJ sharing her top tips on how to improve your mental wellness and resilience.