Family support resources

Family Support Resources

We care about the wellbeing of our people and recognise the important role that families and loved one’s play. We want those closest to our employees to feel supported, valued and included too.

SFRS has a dedicated Post Incident Support Process (PISP) for employees affected by challenging or traumatic incidents at work. We are also proud to be a Stonewall Proud Employers member and an Endometriosis Friendly Employer.

Together, these commitments help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and included.

Mental health and crisis support

Supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing through counselling, peer support, suicide prevention, crisis intervention and access to specialist services.

• Andy's Man Club
  A men's suicide prevention charity that provides free, confidential peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. The charity provides safe, non-judgemental spaces for men to talk and support one another.
• Breathing Space
  A free and confidential phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland aged 16 or over and experiencing low mood, stress, anxiety or depression.
• Chris’s House: Help and Support for Mental Health
  Provides 24-hour crisis support for people experiencing mental health difficulties or suicidal crisis, including accommodation, intervention and ongoing support services.
• EAP – Health Assured
  Free and confidential 24/7 wellbeing support for SFRS employees, their spouse or partner, and eligible dependent children. Call the helpline for support, advice and guidance, or to receive your unique access code for the Wisdom app.
• Lifelines Scotland
  An NHS programme that helps emergency responders stay safe and well while supporting their communities. Visit the dedicated Fire and Rescue section for tailored wellbeing information, resources and support.
• Men Matter Scotland
  Supports men's mental health through peer support, counselling, wellbeing activities and immediate help for those in crisis.
• SAMH
  Scotland's national mental health charity, providing mental health support, social care, addictions services, employability support and suicide prevention programmes in communities across Scotland.
• Sapper Support
  Offers a free, confidential 24-hour helpline staffed by veterans and emergency services personnel for people affected by PTSD and associated mental health issues.
• Suicide Prevention Scotland
  Find suicide prevention information, resources and support services for adults and young people across Scotland, including support available in your local area.
• YAMS – You Are My Sunshine
  Mental health and wellbeing charity offering free drop-in support, counselling, peer support, therapies and wellbeing activities for people across Scotland.

Emergency services focused support

Supporting serving and retired firefighters, emergency responders and their families through specialist wellbeing services, peer support and community-focused initiatives.

• Fire Fighters Charity
  Provides lifelong health, wellbeing and practical support to serving and retired SFRS personnel and their families, alongside opportunities to connect through community events, activities and peer support.
• Family Support Trust
  SFRS charity serving and retired fire service personnel, their families and dependants through welfare advice, financial assistance, practical support and opportunities to stay connected with the wider fire service community.
• 999 RE:SET
  Supporting emergency responders and their families through outdoor activities, wellbeing events and peer support opportunities that promote mental health and resilience.
• Dundee Therapy Garden
  Supports military veterans, ex-uniformed services personnel, emergency responders and their families through counselling, wellbeing programmes and therapeutic gardening activities.

Bereavement, loss, and life events

Providing emotional, practical and specialist support to help individuals and families navigate bereavement, addiction, family changes and other significant life events.

• Cruse Scotland
  Cruse Scotland offers free bereavement support, information and counselling for adults, children and young people affected by grief and loss.
• Scottish Women’s Aid
  Provides information, advice and support for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Support is available through local Women's Aid groups and Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline.
• Addition Family Support
  Offers support and advice for anyone affected by a loved one’s alcohol, drug or gambling addiction, helping families feel informed, supported and less alone.

Physical health and long-term conditions

Providing information, advice and support for people living with long-term health conditions and helping them manage their physical health and wellbeing.

• Alzheimer Scotland
  Offers information, support and practical advice for people affected by dementia, helping individuals, families and carers navigate challenges and access support when they need it.

• Arthritis UK
  Offers information, advice and support for people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, helping individuals and families manage symptoms and live well.
• British Heart Foundation
  Provides information and support for those affected by heart and circulatory diseases, including advice on prevention, recovery and healthy living.
• Endometriosis UK
  Provides information, support and resources on endometriosis and related menstrual health conditions.

• Macmillian Cancer
  Provides practical, emotional, financial and wellbeing support for people living with cancer, as well as support for families, friends and carers.

Other health conditions

For information and support on a wide range of physical health conditions and long-term illnesses, visit NHS inform.

Financial wellbeing and money support

Resources, guidance and services to help with money management, borrowing, saving, financial planning and improving financial wellbeing.

• Scotwest Credit Union
  Provides savings accounts, affordable loans and financial services to help members manage their money and improve financial wellbeing.

• First Mortgage
  Provides independent mortgage and protection advice for first-time buyers, home movers and those looking to remortgage.

• Salary Finance
  Offers affordable salary-linked loans, savings options and financial education tools to help employees take control of their finances and reduce money worries.

Community and social

Reducing isolation, building resilience and creating opportunities for connection through peer support, community networks and shared interests.

• Scottish Men's Sheds Association
  Helping men improve their health and wellbeing, build social connections and take part in community-based activities across Scotland.