Shout!Podcast

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.

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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 like-minded others and share experiences. Register and join here.

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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 menopause group in My Fire Fighters Charity, to chat to like-minded others and share experiences. Register and join here.

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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 while dealing with pain, particularly in the run-up to surgery. Mike shares some simple strategies as well as explaining how a positive attitude can help in recovery.

Next we chat to beneficiary Keith Walkington, who is an Operational Watch Manager with Humberside FRS. He began suffering with osteoarthritis in his right hip joint a few years ago. When it began affecting his day-to-day work and life, he underwent a hip replacement and the Charity supported him in his recovery afterwards. 

Finally Exercise Therapist Craig Williamson and Physiotherapist Peter Raistrick discuss arthritis and how it can impact people in different ways and at different point in life. They share positive steps our beneficiaries can take to help them lead a healthy lifestyle throughout.

And we have a special Podcast Plus this week, as Clinical Assistant Sabrina Langley guides us through a relaxation exercise.

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Sabrina Langley guides us through a relaxation exercise

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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 response to an external factor and can be a short-term response - and anxiety, which may continue even after a stressful situation. Plus, they discuss what causes each and the key signs and symptoms.

Next, host Kim Robson talks to Louise Moody, who works in control at Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service and is the partner of a firefighter. She reveals how a battle with OCD in her teen years developed into depression and anxiety as an adult, before she finally reached out for support. 

Read Louise’s full story here.

Finally, Becca and Izi discuss different coping mechanisms you can try if you’re struggling with stress and anxiety – plus, where to find help if you need it.

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

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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 Improvement Lead, Dr Greg Lessons, discusses what it means to have a healthy and balanced diet, and reveals the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.

You can read more about the Mediterranean Diet here.

We also hear from retired station officer Richard Harris, who says his diet spiralled out of control over several years before he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2017. However, after managing to change his lifestyle and lose 25kg in four months, he was able to get into remission without the need for medication.

Finally, Greg tells us about some healthy alternatives you can try out and how to cook on a budget. We also have a Podcast Plus this week with Greg, who explains the importance of hydration for firefighters in particular.

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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 different families. 

We also chat to beneficiary Maureen Allen about how her own life changed practically overnight two years ago when her husband Clive, a retired firefighter, suffered a major stroke. She has been caring for him at home ever since and she says the support they’ve both received from the Charity, digitally and face-to-face, has been invaluable.

You can read their full story here.

Next we talk to the Charity’s Welfare Caseworker Sharon Dobson, clinical assistant Lucy Milton and nurse Janet Brown, in a round table discussion about some of the many types of carers they themselves have worked with – from young children to wives and husbands – as well as the different circumstances people may find themselves in.

Finally, Carrie explains how the Charity may be able to help you. 

If you are caring for someone – or are facing the possibility that you might have to start – and would like support from The Fire Fighters Charity, get in touch today either online or by phoning 0800 3898820.

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