Oscar Kilo partnership to provide members with extra bereavement support

12 May 2023

Police officers, staff and their families are to benefit from free access to a bereavement counsellor if a colleague or loved one dies on duty, or by suicide.

The National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo has teamed up with charity Just ‘B’ to provide this additional service for free to police forces including in Hertfordshire, where it is being welcomed by the Federation.

Federation chair Luke Mitchell, who welcomes the initiative, said: “While policing is the best job in the world, we know it is also challenging and often dangerous. 

"Sadly, sometimes tragic events occur and it’s at times like those that the police family needs to come together and support each other.

“I welcome this counselling service. It is not intended to replace the support the force already provides, but to build on it and provide a greater depth of assistance when it is most needed. 

"And as there will be no cost force – as Oscar Kilo is funding the service – I will be encouraging our members to make full use of it.”

Just ‘B’ provides expert emotional wellbeing and bereavement support, as well as information and advice to a range of individuals, including professionals experiencing any type of bereavement.

A referral will most likely be made by the Force’s occupational health or wellbeing team, following the usual process that is involved when a police officer or member of staff dies in the line of duty or by suicide.

Oscar Kilo service director Andy Rhodes said: “We have established this service with Just ‘B’ as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering key elements of the Police Covenant, ensuring that all police forces have options to be able to provide more support to officers, staff, but also their families.”

Members who feel they might benefit from speaking to a mental health counsellor can speak to their Federation Rep about being referred to our Welfare Support Programme.