Emergency responders, frontline workers and service communities carry pressure most people never see. The toll of repeated trauma, shift work and high-stakes decision-making is real, but support for it is often hard to find and still carries a stigma.
VellumWorks is developing practical resources and digital tools to support the people who support everyone else. In the meantime, these organisations are doing vital work in this space.
If you are a first responder or frontline worker in crisis, these services offer confidential, specialist support:
Mind's Blue Light Together programme provides mental health support, resources and training specifically for emergency services staff and volunteers, including police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue. Their online hub covers everything from stress and burnout to trauma and PTSD.
The Fire Fighters Charity provides specialist support for the fire community: serving and retired firefighters, control staff and their families. Services include mental health support, physical rehabilitation and financial assistance.
Police Care UK supports police officers, staff and volunteers who have been affected by the psychological or physical impact of policing. They fund research, run wellbeing programmes and offer direct support to those who need it.
NHS Charities Together funds frontline NHS staff wellbeing programmes across the UK, from mental health support and respite spaces to therapeutic services for those facing burnout or trauma after difficult postings.
Understanding burnout and compassion fatigue is a starting point for anyone in a high-pressure service role, and for those who support them.
We are developing resources and tools specifically for emergency services and frontline communities. If you work in this space and want to shape what we build, we would love to hear from you.
Get in touch
