Firefighters in Bexleyheath are creating a special mindfulness garden at their station to help combat the stresses of the job – with the help of a leading builders merchant.

Bexley Fire Station, based on Erith Road, will soon have an additional area where around 50 firefighters will have the chance to relax with colleagues and discuss any ongoing mental health concerns.

The Crayford and Sidcup branches of Selco Builders Warehouse, have joined forces to support the project, providing the building materials for the garden which it is hoped will be finished by mid-August.

Rebecca Selwood, a firefighter at Bexley Fire Station, said: “There is plenty of research that firefighters suffer with mental health issues more than many other occupations because the nature of the job is stressful. And can be traumatic.

“Having an area where we can switch off and relax during some down time and talk about any issues with our peers will make a huge difference and we would also be happy to welcome members of the public to use it.

“We have a car park around the back of the station and will be using a small area of that to create the new garden.

“Selco providing the materials has made a huge difference and we are extremely grateful to them for their support.

“The firefighters will be building the garden and we hope to open it up in two to three weeks time and it will also be open for members of the public if they want to attend.”

Amongst the materials Selco has provided for the project are decking, timber and compost.

Darryl Munday, branch manager of Selco Sidcup, said: “We are delighted to back this fantastic project and support a group of people who display bravery and do an incredible duty for the local community, day in, day out.

“As soon as we heard about the plans, we were only too happy to support the Bexley firefighters.

“At Selco, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate and this scheme exemplifies that.”

Selco’s Sidcup branch is based on Sandy Lane while the Crayford branch is situated on Kennet Road.

With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 70 UK branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible.

As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver, a Click & Collect service and a new website.