When firefighters return from the scene of a harrowing incident, it’s not always possible to leave what they’ve witnessed behind. That’s why a growing number of fire services across the UK are turning to an unlikely ally in their efforts to support mental health – trained wellbeing dogs.
In London, the programme is gaining real traction. Six new dogs have recently joined the wellbeing team, each partnered with a volunteer handler from within the London Fire Brigade. These dogs aren’t just there for show. They’ve undergone specific behavioural training, and their handlers have completed accredited mental health and peer support courses. The aim? To offer a calm presence after a distressing callout – a paw on the knee instead of a clipboard.
The LFB now has a small team of handlers ready to deploy across its 102 stations, giving crews a chance to decompress in the company of these non-judgemental companions. Borough commander for Hammersmith and Fulham, Lucy MacLeod, is one of them. She brings along Blue, a miniature Australian Shepherd who adores fuss and is known for his gentle temperament. According to Lucy, Blue helps firefighters relax enough to talk — or simply take a breather after an especially difficult shift.
Across the UK, more fire and rescue services are recognising the value of canine support. What began as a local experiment is fast becoming a standard part of staff welfare. Firefighters in various counties have been benefitting from this informal but effective form of emotional support, with dogs visiting crews after particularly traumatic events or as part of regular station visits. Their impact is felt not just in the quiet comfort they offer, but in the culture shift they bring — normalising conversations around stress and trauma.
It’s a smart addition to the wider mental health resources already in place. Formal counselling and trauma therapy remain essential, but these trained dogs fill a different gap. They allow for early intervention. Sometimes all it takes is a moment with a wagging tail to open a door that’s been firmly shut.
The London Fire Brigade intends to expand the initiative further, eventually creating a network of ten dog-handler teams. Working alongside the brigade’s other wellbeing programmes, the dogs provide a low-pressure option for firefighters who may not be ready to engage in more structured therapy. They’re not there to solve everything — but they do offer an important starting point.
As the country continues to focus on improving workplace mental health, especially in high-stress professions, wellbeing dogs are proving that support doesn’t always come in clinical form. It can come with a nose, a tail, and a quiet understanding that sometimes, being there is enough.
To learn more about the growing network of support dogs and how emergency services are prioritising emotional wellbeing, visit this page on emergency service wellbeing dog programmes.
For updates on London’s approach to mental health and frontline services, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit | London Fire Brigade]
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