FIREFIGHTERS in South Gloucestershire have signed up to a campaign pledging to support staff in being able to talk more opening about mental health.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service are the latest organisation to join the Blue Light Pledge, set up by mental health charity, also offers those signed up to seek support when they need it.

Among the 400 other employers already signed up, the list includes emergency services staff and volunteers from police, search and rescue, fire and ambulance services across England, who have all committed to tackle the stigma of mental health and help keep their staff well to work.

Cllr Peter Abraham, chairman of Avon Fire Authority, chief fire officer Kevin Pearson and deputy chief fire officer Lorraine Houghton, officially signed the pledge on Thursday.

Research shows that members of the emergency services are at greater risk of experiencing a mental health issue than the general population, but are less likely to seek support.

The pledge commitment is backed by an action plan, which details the activities to be delivered to enable staff to look out for themselves, their team and members of the public.

Mr Pearson said: “Our staff do an incredibly difficult job and often experience traumatic situations which can have a lasting impact.

“We already have well established support in place to help staff living with mental health issues, but we know there is still a huge amount of stigma surrounding this illness.

“This pledge is about us raising the profile of mental health within our workforce to ensure people feel comfortable seeking out the help and support that is available.”