**Content Warning – this post discusses topics around suicide**

A South Yorkshire 999 operator has backed a charity campaign to raise money for mental health support which saved his life.

Ruari Scates, a control room operator with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, struggled with his own mental health following big life changes and bereavements.

Now he is backing a charity single which aims to raise money for Fire Fighters Charity, which supports the wellbeing of fire service staff like him.

Ruari said: “Before joining South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, I struggled with depression and low mood, attributing it to bereavements and the strain of working night shifts. Joining the service in early 2024 felt like a new beginning, but six months in, I was overwhelmed by feelings of ‘impostor syndrome’ and the stress of a house move.”

“At a particularly low point, I reached out to Fire Fighters’ Charity’s helpline, a resource provided during my induction and reinforced through awareness days held by the fire service.

“The emergency counselling sessions I received were a lifeline. They not only saved my life, but also spared my family and friends from the potential fallout of my struggles. For the first time, I felt truly supported and able to overcome my negative mindset. I am a better person today, and above all, I am still here because of the charity.”

The decision to seek help was driven by a fear of becoming a burden to their team and the awareness of the devastating impact of suicide, both personally and professionally.

“I knew that if I didn’t reach out, I could worsen my situation and affect my ability to serve the public. My family’s experience with the consequences of suicide and my job’s exposure to its impact made it clear that I couldn’t allow myself to inflict the same distress.”

“The initial engagement with a counsellor was pivotal. The support and motivation I received during that first call encouraged me to follow through with the process and work towards bettering myself.”

“Almost everyone I know in the job has faced their own battles. Joining a men’s mental health group for emergency workers highlighted the prevalence and complexity of these issues.”

“But from day one, the culture, training, and resources provided by the service have been exceptional. Having worked in environments where mental health was either ignored or superficially addressed, I feel incredibly fortunate to receive such high standards of care at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue. Every aspect of support is handled seriously and effectively, with training designed to prevent issues rather than react to them.”

Ruari is not alone. Poor mental health is a significant issue for many emergency service workers- and not just firefighters.

South Yorkshire Fire & Resue has invested heavily in mental health support for its staff, including a 24/7 helpline and setting up peer-led support for firefighters following traumatic incidents.

Fire Fighters’ Charity also plays a vital role by providing essential mental health support to firefighters. Their services, including online counselling, offer a lifeline to those in need, helping them to navigate their mental health challenges and build resilience.

Download ‘The Fire Safety Dance’ for 99p via iTunes or Amazon today to support the charity’s mission.