Wellbeing dogs provide post-incident support across London
The London Fire Brigade has announced the graduation of six new canine recruits and their handlers into its wellbeing dog programme.
According to the London Fire Brigade, the dogs are part of a mental health support initiative that helps firefighters process traumatic events.
The newly qualified dogs will join an existing group of four, bringing the total number in the team to ten.
The Brigade stated that the programme allows fire stations across its 102-site network to request visits, particularly after distressing incidents.
The scheme was launched in 2017 by firefighter Shelley Robinson and was expanded in 2023 under the leadership of Sarah Jane King and Katie Pelzman, with operational support from Assistant Operations Manager Becci Dingvean.
Firefighters benefit from therapy dog visits
The London Fire Brigade reported that wellbeing dog visits have taken place around 30 times over the past year.
These include visits to fire stations, public open days and internal departments.
The Brigade explained that future visits will be scheduled in response to serious incidents to provide an immediate morale boost and early emotional support for personnel.
Natalie Elliott, Head of Health and Wellbeing at London Fire Brigade, said: “Our fire crews are called to all manner of incidents, not just burning buildings.
“Some of these incidents may have a significant impact on a person’s mental health, and can range from fatalities to train or car accidents, and incidents involving very young children.
“It’s impossible to know who and how someone is going to be affected from the outset, but we do know that some incidents will stay with our staff long after they’ve left the scene.
“The wellbeing dogs help provide support and are key to bridging the gap between early interventions such as peer-based post incident support and more structured support, such as trauma therapy, which the Brigade provides.”
Dog handlers complete specialist training
One of the new canine recruits is Blue, a miniature Australian Shepherd.
Blue is handled by Lucy MacLeod, Borough Commander for Hammersmith and Fulham.
The Brigade confirmed that Blue and MacLeod have completed 20 training modules through the Oscar Kilo 9 Dogs Trust Handlers course, alongside a behavioural assessment.
Handlers are also required to undertake a two-day Mental Health First Aid course and a one-day peer support training session through the OK9 programme.
Borough Commander MacLeod said: “It does take a special type of dog to take on this work. Blue has the right temperament.
“He is happy to be stroked, adores being made a fuss of and he is very calm around people. He generally loves being around humans.
“Evidence shows that animals like Blue, can have a calming influence on people and provide a positive distraction; there’s no judgement from a dog.
“We’ve found that our staff are more likely to talk openly and honestly on subjects like mental health and wellbeing when four-legged friends are around.”
Fire crews share experiences of wellbeing dog visits
The London Fire Brigade reported that the visits are well received by crews and are seen as a useful tool for decompressing after challenging shifts.
Wallington’s Red Watch Leading Firefighter Craig Parlanti described one such visit to his station.
He said: “It was great to meet Ted.
“He’s a three-year-old working cocker spaniel.
“He came to visit us at the fire station and gave us all a bit of a boost.
“It’s important we unwind and de-stress after some of the incidents we attend.
“Ted’s visit certainly helped us to do that.”
The Brigade added that it hopes to grow the programme further by recruiting additional dogs and handlers in the coming months.
Wellbeing dogs join London Fire Brigade mental health initiative: Summary
The London Fire Brigade has expanded its wellbeing dog programme to include ten qualified dogs.
Six new dogs and their handlers were announced during Mental Health Awareness Week.
The programme was established in 2017 and expanded in 2023 by the Brigade’s wellbeing team.
Fire stations across London can request wellbeing dog visits following traumatic events.
Visits are also made to Brigade departments and public events.
Dogs and their handlers undergo specialist training including OK9 modules and mental health first aid.
The Brigade stated that dogs offer emotional support and aid post-incident recovery.
Handlers include serving firefighters and officers who volunteer their time and pets.
Crews have reported positive effects from the visits, including reduced stress levels.
The Brigade intends to further develop the programme in the coming months.