Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Across the UK, 202 people accidentally drowned during 2025. And so far in 2026, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has attended 82 water-related incidents, resulting in eight deaths. In this episode of Beyond the Call, Laura Harmes from the GMFRS Communications team is joined at Salford Quays by Jim Bridge, Water Safety Development Officer for GM, and partners Marie Shields from Salford City Council, and John Beaumont from the North West Underwater Search & Marine Unit. They discuss the risks of open water, key safety advice and the partnership work taking place across the city region to help keep people safe.

In this special episode of Beyond the Call, recorded at the Fireground Museum, host Area Manager Ben Levy explores 200 years of firefighting history in Greater Manchester — from the creation of England’s first municipal fire brigade in Manchester in 1826 to the modern-day Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Joined by retired firefighter and museum curator Bob Bonner and former fire control operator Lynne Bairsto, the episode looks back at the fire service through the decades, including memories of London Road Fire Station, the formation of Greater Manchester County Fire Service in 1974, major incidents such as the Woolworths fire and Strangeways prison riot, and the camaraderie and pride that have defined generations of firefighters and control staff.

In this episode, host Kathryn Aylett, GMFRS Training Development Manager, is joined by colleagues Sue Mallinson, Sarah Scoales, and Amy Croxton-Evans to celebrate International Women’s Day.

From the drill yard to realistic training scenarios, how do you train someone to think like a firefighter?

In the end-of-year review, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service reflected on major incidents, shared learning points, celebrated resilience, and looked ahead to 2026.