The Wellington North Fire Service is starting a peer support program known as Fire Strong.
Firefighters are being trained to lend an ear to fellow firefighters and others who may have gone through traumatic experiences.
Firefighter Ray Tout told Wellington North council the program will help make sure firefighters, their families and others are not left to deal with mental issues on their own.
Mayor Andy Lennox said the Fire Strong program is a step towards stamping out the stigma associated with mental health.
