PCU launches Wellbeing Callback Service

16 April 2020

Police officers and other members of the policing family who find they are struggling during the current coronavirus crisis are being offered support through Police Credit Union (PCU).

PCU, part of the Serve and Protect Credit Union which also serves the military and the prison service, has launched a Wellbeing Callback Service allowing anyone feeling isolated or vulnerable to have a friendly chat with a member of the Serve and Protect team.

Since launching the initiative, PCU has received positive feedback from members.

One member from Avon and Somerset Police said: “The deepness and sincere message that this sends out really does show a sense of belonging. In times of hardship this is exactly the kind of message to cascade, a message filled with hope, belonging and most of all, support. A little kindness goes a long way, reaching out like this stays forever!”

Another from West Midlands Police said: “There will be many people who are dealing with these uncertain times alone and this perfectly demonstrates what it means to be part of the police family; all looking out for one another.”

The very first wellbeing call request came from a Northumbria Police retiree who was going through a difficult time as her family would mostly visit her on Mother’s Day and Easter and could not do so this year.

Lindsey Hutchinson, the PCU member services officer who made the call, said: “At the end of the call, she said I’d really lifted her spirits and made her laugh. I genuinely felt like I had made a little bit of a difference. I had cheered us both up and we laughed together. These calls are an invaluable part of showing our members we care; not to mention the huge difference it can make to staff morale at such a difficult time in all our lives.”

Paul Norgrove, chief executive officer of Serve and Protect Credit Union, added: “We are extremely grateful for the support our members are providing the nation during these uncertain times. We hope that the Wellbeing Callback Service provides a source of support to any of our members who are experiencing increased levels of stress, as a result of isolation or intensifying workloads.”

To request a wellbeing call, simply email info@serveandprotectcu.co.uk stating when you would like to receive a call (the service operates Monday to Friday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm), along with your preferred contact number.