Shout!Podcast

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and with more people being diagnosed than ever before, we dedicated the latest episode of our Shout! Podcast to spotlighting the disease and raising awareness within the fire services community.  We highlight some of the early signs and symptoms, hear a first-hand experience of living with the disease and share how Fire Fighters Charity can offer support throu...

In this episode, we take a look at some of the varied roles across the fire service, and how our support stretches further than people may think. We hear from Jonathan Honeyman, who’s an experienced dog handler and fire investigation officer. He shares the incredible journeys of two of his fire investigation dogs - including how one of them went on to receive a commendation for his help following...

In this episode, we celebrate the incredible achievements of firefighters who balance their demanding roles with extraordinary sporting challenges.   Join us as we hear from Mark Peart, who ran the London Marathon in full fire kit and breathing apparatus – setting a world record in the process - and Teresa Waplington, who shares her journey as a firefighter and athlete.   We also hear from firefig...

We’re back with another packed episode of our Shout! Podcast and this month we’re taking a closer look at some of our online support services, available to all of our fire family. Our host, Rebecca, chats to some of our service users who have taken part in our HOPE (Help Overcome Problems Effectively) Programme, online counselling and digital physiotherapy sessions, while discussing the benefits o...

In this month's episode of the Shout! Podcast , we're celebrating the incredible volunteers who are the heart of Fire Fighters Charity. Join Rebecca as she shines a light on the wide range of volunteering opportunities available and explores the profound impact volunteering has – not just on our charity and its service users, but on the volunteers themselves. Hear inspiring stories from...

Relationships Podcast: Show notes In the next episode of our Shout! Podcast, we hear from four members of our fire services community about how they juggle family life and relationships with their busy roles – both past and present. It comes as we launch a Thriving Relationships Survey to help shape future support for couples across our fire family. Firstly, Robyn, a Watch Manager in Control with...

March 8 marks International Women's Day and we're celebrating alongside millions across the globe with a special episode of our Shout! Podcast. We hear from four women who share their own experiences in their roles and, in one case, of receiving life-changing support from us. Listen to the episode Kath Billing, Chief Fire Officer of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, starts the episode by...

We hope you enjoy episode 2 of our Shout! Podcast, where we reflect on the last year and look ahead at some of the exciting things we have planned in 2025 – both across our health and wellbeing support, and fundraising. Rebecca, our Content Editor, chats with one of our 2025 London Marathon runners, Sam, a firefighter with London Fire Brigade, who shares how we supported him with both his physical...

Join us for the first in a new season of episodes of the Shout! Podcast, where we delve into the realities faced by men in the fire service during Men's Health Month.   Rebecca, our Content Editor, brings you candid conversations with three beneficiaries of Fire Fighters Charity, each sharing their personal journeys through mental health challenges and physical health battles. First, we hear...

We hear from a group of on-call firefighters, based at Pitlochry Fire Station in Scotland, as they discuss the unique pressures on-call firefighters face and the toll they can have on their mental health, as well as the difficulties of juggling their work with family life. Support the show

In a particularly candid chat, our Wellness and Behaviour Change Coaches, AJ Whitaker and Sally Walker, share some of their personal experiences of menopause and discuss everything from brain fog to HRT and the early symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause.  You can see more information on key symptoms, impacts and tips here , and key coping strategies here . You can also join a dedicated menopau...

Our Wellness and Behaviour Change Coaches, AJ Whitaker and Sally Walker, continue their discussion around peri-menopause and menopause and share their personal experiences, as well as common symptoms to expect. You can see more information on key symptoms, impacts and tips here , and key coping strategies here . You can also join a dedicated menopause group in My Fire Fighters Charity, to chat to...

Maintaining healthy joints is of the utmost importance when it comes to overall wellbeing, particularly in the fire and rescue service. So, in this week’s Shout! Podcast we’re discussing tips to look after your joints, whatever your age, and the importance of having a positive mindset throughout. We speak to the Charity’s Wellness and Behaviour Change Coach, Mike Lennon, about how to stay positive...

Sabrina Langley guides us through a relaxation exercise Support the show

For many of us, the last year has brought with it increased feelings of stress and anxiety – so knowing how to identify these feelings and how to cope with them is hugely important. We’ll be discussing just some of those coping mechanisms in this week’s Shout! Podcast. Psychological therapists Becca Harp and Izi Dragonetti begin by discussing the difference between stress – which often happens in...

Wellness and Behaviour Change Coach, AJ Whitaker shows us a calming breathing technique that can be used in any situation to reduce stress levels. Support the show

A balanced diet can have huge health benefits, particularly when it comes to our gut. But a simple change in lifestyle can also have a positive impact on our mental health, as well as conditions such as diabetes.  So, in this week’s Shout! Podcast, we’re discussing nutrition as a whole and the importance of achieving a healthy lifestyle – with a few simple tips along the way. The Charity’s Health...

Dr Greg Lessons talks about the importance of hydration for your health. Support the show

Thousands of people become carers in the UK every day, often for a family member or someone close to them, and with very little warning. It’s these unsung heroes that we’re discussing and celebrating in the latest episode of Shout! Podcast. We speak to the Charity’s Welfare Services Lead Carrie Pearce around what caring for someone actually means – as well as what the burdens of caring can be for...

Drinking is a big part of life for many people, but where is the line between drinking socially and having a potentially dangerous addiction? That’s what we’re discussing in the latest episode of Shout! Podcast. We speak to the Charity’s lead practitioner Andrea Trotman and psychological therapists Charlene Taylor and Izi Dragonetti in a roundtable talk about the impact alcohol addiction can have...

AJ Whitaker shares her top tips on how to improve your mental wellness and resilience. Support the show

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 in...

Nursing Services Lead Kath Savage shares how gardening and nature, both indoors and outdoors, can reduce stress. Plus, she reveals tips to make the most of smaller spaces and shares ways of getting the family involved too. Support the show

The last year has impacted all of us, but older generations have been hit particularly hard – whether it’s being stuck in isolation for months on end or facing long health battles. So, as we slowly ease out of the latest lockdown, it’s never been more important to ensure everyone is living well in later life – and we’re discussing ways to achieve this in our Shout! Podcast this week. Communities D...

Kirsty Gladdis leads us on a guided walk through the wilderness (or wherever you maybe). Take a set of headphones and head out for a walk from your front door with this 10 minute mindfulness exercise. Support the show