Data obtained by Accident Claims Advice (ACA) via a Freedom of Information Request to the service has found that work-related stress, depression, anxiety and PTSD were the most common conditions cited for staff mental health absences in the last three years.
Between 2021 and 2024, a total of 203 Mid and West Wales Fire Service staff took at least one day off work due to mental health with 67 going on to subsequently leave the service altogether.
In 2021/22, 68 staff absences were recorded by the Fire Service and a further 52 the following year.
The figure reached a three-year high in 2023/24 with 81 mental health staff absences logged by MWWFRS.
The Fire Service disclosed the most common reasons cited included; anxiety, depression, stress, stress at work, anxiety at work and post traumatic stress.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) General Secretary, Matt Wrack, told ACA: “We are facing a mental health crisis in the fire and rescue service. Since attending traumatic incidents is an unavoidable part of the job for firefighters, mental health support is vital.”
Secretary Matt Wrack added: “Despite the evidence that firefighters are struggling, fire service mental health provision is patchy across the UK.
“After a decade of cuts to the fire and rescue service, firefighters are being pushed beyond limits to keep the public safe. Responding to life-or-death situations without adequate resources is intensely stressful. To address this mental health crisis, we need central government to provide the investment needed to rebuild the service.”
Accidentclaimsadvice.org.uk offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by mental health.
They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.
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