NZPFU Member and firefighter Josh Darby has produced the attached comprehensive analysis of research into firefighters’ mental health and wellbeing. Our Comms Centre members are also subject to trauma and need similar mental health and wellbeing assistance.

Josh has presented the report to FENZ OLT and the NZPFU conference. His presentation includes video clip-selfies of firefighters telling their stories of mental health issues and the help they need. Josh is seeking permission from those firefighters to more widely publish their stories.

This report is well worth the read – it also has practical recommendations that FENZ could implement now.

FENZ’s formal written response to this report is disappointing and the NZPFU have written to FENZ concerned that they have only “noted” the report and recommendations with no firm commitment to implement them.

Members are reminded that should they need any assistance all they have to do is ask. FENZ has confirmed any requests including psychologist or psychiatrist assistance will be provided and as it will be attributed to a national budget there should be no issue from regional and area management.

If you need help and do not know how to ask or who to ask give your Local a call – or ring Welfare Officer Jim Ryburn 021 654 184. If you have any issues receiving help, or would rather not go through your management or Local please ring the National Secretary Wattie Watson 021 928 819, National President Ian Wright 021 497 448 or National Vice President Joseph Stanley 027 659 9965.