The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has established a new Special Interest Group (SIG) bringing together professionals from across the fire and emergency services sector to support knowledge sharing, networking, professional development and collaborative action around psychological wellbeing.
The group will officially launch with a webinar on Tuesday, September 15, introducing its vision for strengthening psychological wellbeing throughout the global fire and emergency services community.
Wellbeing and operational performance
Attendees will hear about the SIG’s programme of work to raise awareness of the relationship between wellbeing, safety and operational performance.
The webinar will also introduce the group’s tools and resources and highlight opportunities for international collaboration.
SIG Chair, David Ware, FIFireE, said: “I am thrilled to see our new SIG ready to be launched. Promoting mental health and wellbeing has not always been at the forefront of the fire sector, a fact that we will hopefully soon remedy.
“In this sector, many professionals put both their general and mental health on the line to help others. There should always be the support needed to ensure they can reach out on an ongoing basis for the resources and information they need.”
Supporting healthier working environments
The creation of the SIG reflects growing recognition of the importance of mental health and wellbeing within fire and emergency services.
Through international collaboration, research and professional development, the group aims to support individuals and organisations in creating healthier working environments while strengthening operational effectiveness and resilience.
Paul Adams, IFE CEO, said: “We are excited to see the launch of this new Special Interest Group. Good mental health is an important consideration for everyone working within the fire sector to ensure a healthy and safe working environment, including the public and fire professionals.
“This new IFE SIG will provide a valuable platform for collaboration, learning and embracing better mental health across our global community.”
