19 March 2021

Federation working with Force DCC to better protect officers' mental health

Dorset Police Federation Wellbeing lead Sandra Rigby and representative Toni Buller have been working with DCC Scott Chilton to combine the Federation and Force’s work to better protect officers’ mental health.

Sandra said: “We agreed that wellbeing isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It has to suit different areas, departments, backgrounds, genders - it needs to be more diverse and a bit more practical. I’d like to see more things like Operation Surfwell which allow you to really channel your energies and give your mind a break. Fitness is really important to keep people well and help work together to switch off.”

Operation Surfwell sees Dorset officers and colleagues from Devon and Cornwall take to the sea for surf classes to help them deal with stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Sandra added: “There are a lot of issues within men both in and outside the force where its not perceived as acceptable to ask for help. Sometimes they need a more practical approach. We want to work together to achieve that and to put more into preventative work, as opposed to fixing someone when they are broken.”

Both the Federation and Force recognise that when resources are stretched, this unfortunately leads to officers being under-supported in their roles. This is one of the most common issues raised by members, however there is no quick fix to this and Sandra said “we need to continue to work together to support  and look after everyone.

She added: “We want to get to people before they feel broken, as then it’s harder to pull them back. A happy and healthy force would be better for not just the employees and management but also in achieving good results for the public.”

People are suffering across the force, Sandra said, as Covid takes its toll: “People are doing the best that they can. They are doing alright, but its getting to breaking point with the Covid numbers, people working from home, abstractions from the front line. There is a lot more suffering. I’ve been shielding for most of the year and my family don’t live nearby.”

Sandra works as PC in offender management at Weymouth, so in lockdown she misses the daily interaction with her colleagues which can help with the demands of the role. Instead, she has been helped by a “fake commute”, whereby she takes some time for a walk or run before work. She also recommends regular breaks from the computer screen, plenty of exercise and video calls to loved ones as much as possible.

The force's health and fitness trainer Lou Dutch can recommend training programmes and posts plenty of exercise videos online.

Sandra added: “We have another meeting with the DCC on how we can take this further, and we would love to hear from members about where they are struggling or if they have any ideas that they think may help.”