A partnership with a local charity has seen Avon Fire & Rescue Service develop a striking design for their fire engines aimed at raising awareness of mental health.
The wrapped fire engine at Bath’s Fire Station | Photo courtesy of Avon Fire & Rescue
Teaming up with Bath Mind, staff from the fire service are encouraging individuals to seek support as part of their artwork, which showcases a firefighter who may be grappling with mental health issues.
The design carries the powerful message: “We are all powerful, strong and resilient but sometimes we struggle.”
This serves to illustrate that even those who appear composed on the outside, whether professionally or in their personal lives, may be facing internal challenges.
To amplify the impact of the message, Avon Fire & Rescue Service has applied the design to two fire appliances – one stationed in Bath and the other at Temple Fire Station in Bristol.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “Raising awareness of mental health and making sure our staff have the support they need is hugely important to me and the wider Service.
“Over the years, we continue to make strides in breaking the stigma of mental health and this campaign plays a part in that.
“Having served on the frontline, I know what our staff see regularly, so it’s about protecting them with a range of resources in place, managed by our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team.
“By teaming up with Bath and Bristol Mind, we hope that this truck wrapping encourages our communities to seek help for their mental health if needed.”
With the design having been produced with the help of Bath Blue Watch, Watch Manager Rich Wheeler said: “Our aim has been to promote a positive take on mental Health, and to encourage people to talk and seek help if required.
“AF&RS is built on strong foundations where we strive to be the best, work courageously in our actions and ambitions, however the need to be transparent with our mental health, and inclusive in supporting each other is one of main priorities.
“We are hoping to showcase that having these feelings are normal, and talking about them is a positive step, and nothing to hold back from.”
The vehicle wrapping serves as a visible reminder for communities to seek help if they require assistance with their mental health.
Bath Mind is an independent mental health charity working closely within the Bath and North East Somerset community.
Hannah Roper, Director of Business Development at Bath Mind, said: “Bath Mind are thrilled to be working in partnership with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, to support and promote positive mental health for the service and the wider community.
“Through this campaign, we hope to encourage everyone to talk openly about their mental health, seek help at an early stage and reduce stigma associated with mental ill- health.
“Bath Mind are here for you. If you’re not sure where to start, our Access Mental Health Service can help you every step of the way to finding the right type of support to meet your needs.
“From our crisis telephone support to our befriending, community wellbeing services, supported-living and mental health first aid training in the workplace and in schools; as a local, independent charity, Bath Mind are here to support the mental health and wellbeing of everyone living in B&NES.”
The organisation offers a range of services aimed at supporting improved mental health and overall wellbeing.
The truck wrapping initiative is part of the fire service’s broader campaign to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week.
For more information on the services and support resources provided by Bath Mind, you can visit their website here.
The charity is available seven days a week from 9am to 5.30pm and accepts self-referrals via email at [email protected] or by phone at 0808 175 1369.
