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Dorset Police Federation

27 October 2020

Dorset Police Federation Secretary elected as new Flint House trustee

Dorset Police Federation Secretary Ian Roe says he is looking forward to contributing to the success of police rehabilitation centre Flint House after being named as a new Trustee at the charity.

With everything that’s going on in the world and in policing, Ian Roe says there’s never been a more critical time for officers to think about their physical and mental health.

Flint House provides mental and physical rehabilitation for serving and former officers and Ian says the demands being placed on frontline officers and the length of time they spend in service has seen a growing need for the services the centre provides.

The centre’s ‘unique’ physical and mental health programmes provided not only tackle the symptoms officers may be experiencing but often the causes too, while giving them a much-needed break from their day to day duties.

“Flint House is a unique service you don’t get through any in-force medical or welfare support,” Ian said.

“It allows officers to really take themselves away from the pressure they’re facing at work, whether that’s through physical injury or mental health concerns and strains.

“It gives specialist support in a bespoke environment that gives officers a chance to find ways to get better and help themselves going forward.

“We’ve been able to carry on giving this support during the COVID crisis and with the pressures that officers are under there’s a real need for our services,” Ian added.

As a police officer himself Ian says he’s subscribed to the centre for the past 28 years and while he’s been fortunate not to have had to use their services himself, he’s seen the benefits its brought to others.

“We all hope we’ll never need to use their services, but it’s reassuring that it’s a facility that’s available should the need arise,” he said.

“There’s a real need for mental health support, and recognition of how policing can affect officers’ mental health, not only through the incidents they’re attending but through the pressures of the work, work/life balance.

“I feel excited and privileged to be a new Trustee and am looking forward to contributing to Flint House’s success.”