Mind Blue Light
Blue Light Programme (2021)
Working in the emergency services has always been a challenging job, but the coronavirus pandemic has made it even harder for you. Our 2021 research shows that 69% of emergency responders feel their mental health has deteriorated as a result of the pandemic.
We're developing new support and information for staff, volunteers and employers in the emergency services to help you and your colleagues to cope during the pandemic and beyond. Below you can find our available support, a range of resources and more information about the programme.
If you're struggling, you're not alone. Our brand new page on coping with your mental health during the pandemic offers detailed information, tips and contact details for support services. You can also contact our confidential Blue Light Infoline on 0300 303 5999.
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Blue Light Programme (Mind)
In 2015, the mental health charity Mind were provided with central funding to commission local Mind groups to provide mental health support for emergency services staff and volunteers until March 2016.
See http://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/bluelight
The campaign included
- Mental health awareness training for line managers
- Blue Light Champions
- Resilience training
- Blue Light Infoline (which is still in operation 0300 303 5999)
- Webinar films
- Information booklets specifically written for FRS’s
- An opportunity for Fire & Rescue Services (FRS’s) to sign the Blue Light Pledge
A copy of the report into the campaign, including legacy details is available from -
http://www.mind.org.uk/media/4205495/our-blue-light_one-year-on.pdf
You can read the headline findings here: -
http://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/one-in-four-emergency-services-workers-has-thought-about-ending-their-lives/#.Vzmm4GB0zcu
Organisations which have signed up to the Pledge so far are listed here: -
http://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/bluelight/blue-light-time-to-change-pledge/pledged-organisations/?ctaId=/news-campaigns/campaigns/bluelight/blue-light-time-to-change-pledge/slices/the-blue-light-time-to-change-pledge
There is still an opportunity for FRS’s to sign up to the Pledge. FRS’s can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." data-mce-href="mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register interest.
There are 4 mental health networks which are being piloted 2016 – 17 to enable emergency services to be able to work together, coordinating a programme of activity, improve access to information and support all employees.
The networks are located in
- Merseyside – covering Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, St Helen’s &Sefton.
- Inner London – covering Camden, City of London, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Islington, Royal Burough of Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth& Westminster.
- Cambridge & Peterborough – covering Peterborough, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, Cambridge City, South Cambridgeshire.
- North East – covering Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland.
There may be an opportunity to commission courses from your local Mind, based on the Resilience & Line Manager training courses provided throughout the campaign.