Blue Light Programme

Working in emergency services has always been challenging, but the coronavirus pandemic has made it even harder for you. Our 2021 research shows that 69% of emergency responders feel their mental health has deteriorated due to the pandemic.

We're developing new support and information for staff, volunteers and employers in the emergency services to help you and your colleagues cope during the pandemic and beyond. Below you can find our available support, a range of resources and more information about the programme.

Support for your mental health

If you're struggling, you're not alone. Our brand new page on coping with your mental health during the pandemic offers detailed information, tips and contact details for support services. You can also contact our confidential Blue Light Infoline on 0300 303 5999, open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.

We are working with The Ambulance Staff Charity, Police Care UK and The Fire Fighters Charity to ensure emergency responders have access to support. The Mental Health at Work website offers further support from these organisations and other providers.

Find further support

Metropolitan police officer sat at desk looking at camera

Image credit: Metropolitan Police

London Ambulance Service paramedic smiling at camera

Image credit: London Ambulance Service

Information tailored for you

We have a range of specialised information and advice to help you manage your mental health at work.

As part of the programme, we will continue to produce new information resources to help you cope with the effects of the pandemic. The first new resource is available now. Our information is for anyone in the emergency services and is available below.

Find information here

Two firefighters sat in front of firefighter coats

Emergency services staff and volunteers

You can play a crucial role in challenging stigma and ensuring mental health and wellbeing support for your colleagues.

Become a Blue Light Champion
Find out about other ways to support

Become a Champion

West Midlands Police officer looking through window

Image credit: West Midlands Police

Emergency services employers

Help keep your staff and volunteers well by giving them the mental health and wellbeing support they need, with our resources, the support of local Minds, and our partners' support.

Access our Blueprint
View our workplace wellbeing resources
Find out about training

Support workplace wellbeing

Your stories

Staff, volunteers and employers from emergency services have shared their experiences, tips and advice about looking after your mental health at work.

Over the coming months, we'll also be sharing more lived experience stories to support you in managing your mental health during the pandemic. You can find some of our existing blogs from the previous programme here.

Read here

Three London Ambulance Service workers talking in hallway

Image credit: London Ambulance Service

Training

We developed our training courses to meet the specific needs of the emergency services workforce. They help you manage your own and others' wellbeing at work, build resilience, and support colleagues after traumatic incidents.

Existing courses have paused due to the pandemic. In response, we're developing new training. Find out more below.

See our courses

Three firefighters standing in front of fire engine

Image credit: London Fire Brigade

Blue flashing light on top of police car

About the Programme

Our Blue Light Programme is here to support the mental health of emergency responders in response to the pandemic.

From 2015 to 2019, thousands of people who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others received information, resources, training, or access support through the Blue Light Programme and our network of local Minds.

Find out more

Other ways to get involved

Campaigning

Volunteering

Membership