Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is leading the way with a new app to support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.
HWFRS is the first fire and rescue service in the country to embrace the Backup Buddy app which can be used not only by all employees but also by their family and friends.
The new app, which is also being used by West Mercia Police, was launched on 10 October to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
“We recognise that one in six workers experience some degree of mental health problems and this is the leading cause of sickness absence across the UK,” said Deputy Chief Fire Officer Guy Palmer. “Consequently, we are committed to supporting our staff with access to information and support services to support their wellbeing.
“In addition to the suite of tools already available across the Service, we are now able to provide further support with the addition of the new Backup Buddy application.”