Croydon firefighters see wellbeing garden plans blossom

Firefighters in Croydon will be able to relax and reflect in a new wellbeing garden – thanks to Selco.

Our South Croydon branch has donated more than £750 worth of building materials so firefighters can build the garden at Croydon Fire Station.

The new-look garden will include benches, plants and eating areas to support the mental health of staff who have to deal with traumatic incidents. Research by Mind found that 87 per cent of emergency services staff and volunteers have experienced stress and poor mental health during their work.

Oliver Young, leading firefighter on Croydon Green Watch, said: “We’re so grateful to Selco for their backing and allowing us to create this valuable space for our colleagues.

“The South Croydon branch has been fantastic in helping us with these materials.

“We have 80 firefighters working here across four watches and we are also a technical rescue station, so we do tend to deal with larger incidents.

“This garden will give our firefighters a tranquil place to use to take time away from the challenges they face in their jobs.

“The main work we will be carrying out is converting the current pergola area with screening and benches so it doesn’t feel as if you are sitting in a car park.

“Everyone is really looking forward to the garden’s completion.”

Selco South Croydon, on Imperial Way in Purley, donated decking boards, timber and screws towards the project.

Laura Hunter, deputy branch manager at Selco South Croydon, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to make this donation and help the firefighters at Croydon Fire Station.

“The job that these men and women do – and more so this year than ever before in soaring temperatures – is incredible.

“You can only imagine some of the traumatic incidents that they deal with in their roles. Hopefully this new outdoor space will allow them a chance to reflect and unwind.”