Buddy system boosts brigade wellbeing
Responding to call outs can take its toll on any of our firefighters, no matter how experienced you are.
Members of the Waitakere Volunteer Fire Brigade recognised this and set up a buddy system five years ago to ensure nobody is left unsupported after responding to particularly tough incidents.
Each member of the brigade has a ‘buddy’ with whom they can share the load and confide in when times get tough.
For some Waitakere firefighters, their buddies have become true friends allowing for open and honest conversations and contributing to each other’s successes.
The positive reaction from brigade members about this system reinforces just how important it is to reach out to our community and know they are there for us when we may need it. The buddy system encourages Waitakere firefighters to pritoritise their mental health and the wellbeing of their fellow brigade members.
If you need support, our networks and services are available 24/7 all year round.
