Peer Support

THE MISSION OF AF&R PEER SUPPORT

To actively promote behavioral health and wellness among AF&R members and their families by listening, supporting, referring & assisting them during times of stress or crisis.

Vision

To support the overall mission of Anaheim Fire & Rescue by striving to keep the workforce at its best.
To provide excellent resources, education and care for our members.
To better manage stress resulting from exposure to traumatic events (which is an inherent part of our job)
To stay connected with members who are separated by injury.
To lead change in the fire service culture; to eliminate stigma and promote the benefits of behavioral health

Values

Confidential
Accepting/Available
Responsible
Excellent
Servant’s Attitude

What Peer Support Is

Someone who will listen
Someone who will be honest with you
Someone you can trust
Someone who understands the unique challenges of our job
An avenue to face problems head-on
A place where you can find the help you need to stay in the game
(building strength and resilience for continued service)

What Peer Support Is NOT

A place to camp out and avoid your problems
Someone to agree with you when you’re wrong
A way to place blame and avoid personal responsibility
A place for weak people who don’t want to improve their situation
(Facing your problems-being vulnerable is not a weakness. It is a great strength-and the straightest path to positive change)

Good First Steps

Have a face-to-face conversation with someone you know and trust on your Peer Support Team
Contact The Counseling Team International and make an appointment to talk to a professional counselor (1-800-222-9691)
Call me and let’s go have a cup after your shift. (I’ll buy!)

Brad Hirst