'Firefighters can be strong and manly and still show vulnerability'

Firefighters on the front line are being encouraged to talk about their shared experiences in an effort to break down stigma around mental health.

Lee Ralph and Warren Shepherd, from the Avon Fire and Rescue Service, have helped launched a podcast that tackles the stress and emotional well being of those faced with life and death situations in their daily job.

Co-host Shepherd said: "You can still be strong and manly and all these things and still show a vulnerability that makes us human."

The first of four episodes have been released as part of a new series on the services' podcast named Ignite the Conversation, which is available on all major podcast platforms.

Ralph, who is also ex-military, said it was "drummed into" him to stay strong and not be vulnerable.

"Because we're in the fire service where you have to support and help people, showing any kind of weakness, any vulnerability - people would think you can't do your job," he said.

"So when I first talked about my mental health it was the biggest relief I ever had - and I felt so much better."

He said the service had been "really supportive" and that the podcast looks at the importance of opening up about how being a firefighter can affect people both on and off the fireground.

"The things we do see in the fire service are pretty horrific at times," he said.

"[And] historically, mental health can be a tough subject to talk about, especially in the fire service."

The firefighters said the podcast is not about giving clinical advice or replacing existing support, but about starting conversations.

"We're not therapists or councillors but we're here to break the stigma of mental health and [will be] just talking - talking and opening up," Ralph added.

A new episode is due to be released every three months, that shares information and starts conversations based on their own experience and research.

Shepherd said: "When I opened up, it took me a while because there's a stigma - but it was a relief, it's like the weight was lifted."

He said that they will be looking for people to "reach out" to them and will be sharing content that will encourage people to talk.

"It took me like two years [to open up]," he said.

"When you do - then other people feel safe to do so. You can help other people by opening up about your own things and that's what we found."

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