Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service Host Suicide Prevention Conference

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomed colleagues from across the UK last week as it hosted the suicide prevention conference in partnership with the Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA).

Now in its fourth year, the conference continues to provide a vital platform for fire and rescue professionals to come together, share best practice, and strengthen their understanding of mental health and suicide prevention. 

Held at Nottinghamshire’s Joint Police and Fire Headquarters on Friday 5 June, the event brought together a range of speakers, experts, and frontline personnel to explore the challenges surrounding mental wellbeing within the emergency services, as well as the wider communities they serve. With increasing recognition of the pressures faced by emergency service staff, the conference highlighted the importance of early intervention, open conversations, and collaborative working to support those in need.

The day focused on raising awareness of suicide prevention, reducing stigma, and equipping attendees with the tools and knowledge to make a positive difference—both within the fire service and beyond.

The event was opened by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager and SLT Sponsor of the Service’s Mental Health Staff Network, Tom Archer. He said: “Hosting this year's conference was a real privilege for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. Bringing colleagues together from across the UK created an honest, supportive space to talk about the realities of mental health in our sector.

"Suicide prevention isn't something that sits with one team or one organisation - it's shaped by the conversations we have, the awareness we build, and the support we offer every day. Seeing so many people committed to learning from one another and challenging stigma shows the strength we have when we work together to protect the wellbeing of our colleagues and our communities."

Speakers throughout the day included Professor Rowena Hill from Nottingham Trent University, Sharon Bailey from Fire Fighters Charity, and colleagues from Nottinghamshire Police - all with one hope: to prevent death by suicide within UK Fire and Rescue Services (and beyond), and to provide support for colleagues in relation to mental health and wellbeing. 

Harjit Singh, Chair of AFSA, said: “This event showed what is possible when we come together with honesty, care and shared purpose. AFSA was proud to work in partnership with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to create a safe space for learning, reflection and practical action on suicide prevention.

The personal stories, professional insight and cross-sector contributions reminded us that suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Our responsibility now is to take this learning back into our organisations, strengthen support for our people, and act earlier when colleagues or communities are struggling.”