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Rick Findler/PA Wire
UK News

Christians urged to pray for firefighters

Figures show 41-thousand emergency shifts were lost as a result last year.

A separate study by Mind also found 27 percent have contemplated taking their own lives because of stress while working in fire services.

Paul Thomas, chair of the Fire and Rescue Service chaplain Association of Great Britain and Ireland explained on Premier's News Hour how believers can be praying.

He said: "That they would be protected and be given strength.

"Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak into each one of them and let them know that God is here.

"But also, pray that people are around to help them."

PA

It's claimed the Grenfell Tower disaster has led to rising numbers of firefighters across the country seeking help for their mental health.

Revd Dick Johnson, co-ordinating chaplain for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service thinks the repetitive nature of the job makes things particularly difficult for firefighters.

Speaking to Premier, he said: "If you go to a whole number of road traffic incidents, for example, and have to help people or deal with death; one you might be able to cope with but if you have to do it week in week out - that's an issue."

Meanwhile the Firefighters Charity is launching a new campaign encouraging the public to recognise the impact the job has on firefighters every day not just in traumatic events like Grenfell.

The Fire Fighters Charity Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said: "Everyday firefighting is dangerous, challenging and incredibly demanding of firefighters, both physically and psychologically. Incidents can impact people in different ways, some are affected immediately while others, may not realise the impact of their work until after they retire.

"These are invisible injuries, often carried by firefighters in silence. However, they can have far reaching, long term consequences, affecting families and family life and, if ignored, potentially leading to depression, self-harm or even suicide."

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