Welfare support for members

28 June 2021

The pioneering Welfare Support Programme which provides officers with a wide range of services including clinical assessment and counselling has been praised by Derbyshire Police Federation.

The programme, run by the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), is being funded by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) and will be available to all subscribing members.

It also provides person-centred support, access to fully trained and accredited professionals, independent and confidential support and referrals-appropriate follow-on specialist support.

Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony Wetton said: “Officer wellbeing and welfare is a top priority and something we take very seriously.

“This programme is a welcome addition to the services already available to our members.  We have referred several members to WSP in the past few months and the feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive.  If you feel you need support then please contact myself or Kirsty, or your local Federation representative, and we’ll get that support to you.”

PFEW chair John Apter joined policing minister Kit Malthouse on a visit to the DMWS head office in Hampshire to find out more about the Welfare Support Programme.

John said: “We’re delighted to be working with Defence Medical Welfare Service to deliver our Welfare Support Programme. Our local Federation branches already go above and beyond to help members in their time of need but thanks to DMWS we can go one step further and provide this extra and invaluable support service to all.

“We are very pleased with the progress so far and we know it is already making a tangible difference to the lives of our colleagues who, when in a dark place, often don’t feel comfortable reaching out to their force, but look to the Federation for support.”

Mr Malthouse said: “Our police officers go above and beyond every single day – risking their safety to protect the public and keep us all safe – so it’s vital we give them the health and wellbeing support they need.

“The work of the Defence Medical Welfare Service complements our efforts and gives police officers a place to go in their time of need – I’m extremely grateful for their efforts and was delighted to visit and see their excellent work in action.”

Members can find out more about the new WSP, or get support, by contacting DMWS at police@mws.uk.com or on 01264 586 942.