Brave Minds programme expands support for Ukrainian firefighters across all regions

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Ukrainian firefighters and Brave Minds programme

A UK charity is seeking monthly donations to expand mental health support for Ukrainian firefighters and other emergency responders through its in-country programme Brave Minds.

Fire Aid and International Development said Brave Minds was launched a year ago in response to widespread psychological harm among Ukrainian rescuers after years of continuous service with no dedicated independent mental health provision available.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SESU) operates with approximately 60,000 personnel.

Since February 2022, Ukrainian rescuers have worked under conditions described as repeated bombardment of civilian infrastructure, sustained operations in active combat zones and chronic exposure to mass fatality incidents.

Support model and what donors are being asked to do

The programme currently provides one-to-one online therapy, round-the-clock crisis support and self-help resources, delivered by qualified Ukrainian psychologists and offered free of charge.

FIRE AID said it is asking members of the public to contribute £3 a month to support the expansion of the project as it enters its second year and aims to reach every Ukrainian region.

Edward Matthews, Project Manager for Brave Minds, said: “Rescuers are asking for help, often after extremely difficult incidents.

“Small, regular donations allow us to provide stable, long-term care.

“If thousands of people give the price of a coffee each month, we can support rescuers across the entire country.”

Casualties, damage and contact details

FIRE AID said that since 2022 it has delivered 155 fire trucks and over 350,000 items of equipment to SESU, and that direct work with rescuers led it to recognise that physical resources alone were insufficient.

Viktoria Kryvolapchuk, Lead Psychologist for Brave Minds, said: “Since 2022, 113 rescuers have been killed, 577 injured, and 458 fire stations have been destroyed.

“We need to ensure our rescuers are mentally fit to work because the fire service is an essential part of civil defence.

“And whether in war or peace, there is no end in sight to the psychological burden they carry.”

FIRE AID said donors are invited to leave a short message that is shared with rescuers during a therapy session.

Dubai Civil Defence partners with FIRE AID to deliver wildfire vehicles to Africa

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsVehicles

DCD and FIRE AID Partnership brings wildfire vehicles to African countries

A new partnership between Dubai Civil Defence and FIRE AID has been announced to deliver wildfire-specific vehicles to African countries.

This initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of wildfires while enhancing firefighting capabilities across the continent.

The first phase of the project involves working with UK-based Angloco Limited to design and manufacture specialized wildfire response vehicles.

These vehicles will be donated to Kenya, Morocco, and Ghana, marking the first time such equipment has been deployed in these regions.

By enhancing the capacity to respond to wildfires, the vehicles will aid in reducing emissions and protecting communities from the destruction caused by fires.

Repurposing decommissioned vehicles for sustainable impact

In the second phase of the project, Dubai Civil Defence will donate decommissioned vehicles to several African countries.

These vehicles will be fully equipped and serviced before deployment, ensuring they remain operational and extend their service life.

The initiative will help FIRE AID continue its work in countries like Malawi, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Kenya.

This repurposing of vehicles represents a sustainable approach, preventing usable equipment from being scrapped while supporting firefighting efforts across Africa.

Comprehensive training will be provided for local fire services, ensuring that the vehicles are used effectively in managing wildfires.

Global collaboration on wildfire response

This collaboration exemplifies the growing trend of global partnerships focused on firefighting and environmental protection.

By working together, Dubai Civil Defence and FIRE AID are helping to build stronger fire response capabilities across Africa.

The involvement of Angloco Limited, the Department for Business and Trade, and various African fire services further highlights the international commitment to reducing the impact of wildfires.

The initiative will also contribute to global data collection on fire-related emissions.

Data from the usage of these vehicles will be integrated into Dubai Civil Defence’s fire tracking systems, providing a valuable resource for improving wildfire response strategies worldwide.

Leadership perspectives on the initiative

Lt Col Essa Almutawa, representing Dubai Civil Defence, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “This initiative is a testament to our leadership’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global solidarity.

“It reflects our core belief that we must always strive to do more, extending our expertise and resources to where they are needed most.”

David O’Neill MBE, Chair of FIRE AID, also commented on the partnership’s potential: “Leveraging our established networks throughout the continent to bolster the objectives of the Dubai Civil Defence represents an effective approach to swiftly enhance capability in the region, improve environmental conditions, and ultimately save lives.”

Dubai Civil Defence and FIRE AID partner to deliver wildfire vehicles to Africa: Summary

Dubai Civil Defence and FIRE AID have announced a partnership to deliver wildfire-specific vehicles to African countries.

The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of wildfires and improve firefighting capabilities across Africa.

The first phase involves the delivery of newly designed wildfire vehicles to Kenya, Morocco, and Ghana.

In phase two, decommissioned vehicles will be repurposed and donated to several other African nations.

The project is part of a broader collaboration involving Angloco Limited, the Department for Business and Trade, and fire services across Africa.