Officers urged to be aware of their mental wellbeing

10 May 2022

The secretary of Hertfordshire Police Federation has urged members not to suffer in silence if they’re struggling with their mental health.

Al Wollaston, speaking during Mental Health Awareness Week, said the Federation was there to support members and to help them get the support they need.

He explained: “Officers are often exposed to difficult and traumatic situations so it’s important that they are aware of our mental health and take time for themselves to strengthen and protect it.

“It’s also important we’re aware of our colleagues and keep an eye out for them. Our Hear ‘Man Up’, Think ‘Man Down’ campaign does just that, as often we’re best placed to know when our teammates are struggling.

“We are seeing increasing numbers of officers coming to see us as a result of how they are being treated by managers and this is having an impact on their mental health which is an issue we have raised with the DCC.

“If you need support, don’t suffer in silence. It’s okay to seek help. The Federation is here and can offer support or help you get further assistance.”

New figures from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) highlight the pressures the cost of living crisis is putting on key workers, including police officers.

BACP’s Public Perceptions Survey found that almost half of key workers (48 per cent) are anxious or nervous about whether they can pay their bills. Nationally the figure is 40 per cent.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of key workers are having to cut back on activities which help their mental health, such as gym membership, which is five per cent higher than the national average. And almost one in five (19 per cent) are losing sleep over the rising cost of living against 16 per cent nationally.

The pandemic has also taken its toll. According to the BACP, 74 per cent of key workers say it’s impacted their mental health to some extent. The figure for the rest of the population is 70 per cent.

Al said: “It’s been a difficult two years policing the pandemic and now we have a cost of living crisis to contend with – both of which are having an impact on our members.

“These figures echo what we found in our pay and morale survey, and that officers are struggling to make ends meet as the price of essentials goes up.

“The Government can ease some of those worries now by giving our members a decent pay rise. They often talk about supporting mental health, well now’s the time to act.”

Prevention is better than cure read a blog from national Federation wellbeing lead Belinda Goodwin.