Family support resources

Organisations and services that support the health, wellbeing, resilience and welfare of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service personnel, their families, retirees and wider support networks.

Mental health and crisis support

Providing support for stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, suicide prevention, counselling and crisis intervention.

  • Andy's Man Club
    Suicide prevention charity offering peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online.
  • Breathing Space
    NHS 24 provides a range of online and telephone services to support mental health.
  • Chris's House
    24-hour non-medical crisis centre with drop-in events offered in North Lanarkshire and Dalkeith.
  • EAP – Health Assured
    An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides mental health counselling and specialist support to tackle personal and professional challenges.
  • Lifelines Scotland
    Quick guides, training materials, helplines, self-help and signposting to other services.
  • SAMH
    Barrier-free access to mental health support offering services in therapeutic horticulture, peer support, employability, homelessness, addictions, suicide prevention and more.
  • YAMS – You Are My Sunshine
    Drop-in support for mental health, counselling and activities for anyone in Scotland and based in Lanarkshire.
  • SAPPER SUPPORT LINE
    24-hour support line staffed by veterans and 999 personnel for sufferers of PTSD and associated mental health issues.

Emergency services focused support

Recognising the unique challenges faced by firefighters, emergency responders, veterans and their families.

  • Fire Fighters Charity
    Lifelong care to SFRS staff and families. Crisis line, self-help, residential care and much more.
  • Family Support Trust
    SFRS charity offering service personnel, retired/leavers and their families hardship and bereavement grants, children's investment trust, beneficiary services and respite facilities.
  • 999 RE:SET
    Founded by SFRS personnel, established to support the mental health of all emergency responders and families by facilitating involvement in outdoor pursuits.
  • Dundee Therapy Garden
    Support for current and former military service members, emergency responders and families through 1:1 counselling and group programmes to improve emotional wellbeing.
  • SAPPER SUPPORT LINE
    24-hour support line staffed by veterans and 999 personnel for sufferers of PTSD and associated mental health issues.

Bereavement and grief support

Supporting families through loss, hardship, caring responsibilities and significant life events.

  • Cruse Bereavement Support
    Cruse provides bereavement support and information for those experiencing grief and for those helping others.

Physical health and long-term conditions

Helping individuals manage health conditions and access specialist advice and support.

  • Catherine McEwan Foundation
    Foundation helping people living with Crohn's and Colitis access better treatment, care and to live better lives.
  • Endometriosis UK
    Information and support on endometriosis, menstrual health, fibroids, PCOS, PMDD, menopause and HRT.
  • Maggie's Centres
    Specialists, psychologists and benefit advisors offer support at care centres across the UK and via phone to those with a cancer diagnosis, family and friends, and those supporting someone with cancer.

Community and social

Reducing isolation, building resilience and encouraging positive social engagement.

  • Scottish Men's Sheds Association
    An association focused on creating spaces in communities across Scotland to benefit health and wellbeing.
  • Therapet
    Therapet service provides access to pets to help alleviate stress. To utilise this service, contact should be through SFRS.Healthdevelopment@firescotland.gov.uk.