World Mental Health Day: chair says reflecting on wellbeing ‘could make all the difference’

9 October 2026

Hertfordshire Police Federation is reminding its members that their wellbeing always matters as World Mental Health Day (WMHD) approaches this weekend.

The 35th edition of WMHD is tomorrow (Saturday 10 October) after originally being founded to create better awareness and understanding around mental health, including increased access to support.

Branch chair Luke Mitchell praised the initiative for encouraging individuals to reflect on their mental health, which he said is particularly important for those who may need a platform to pause and assess how they cope with everyday life.

"Police officers spend their working lives putting other people first, so looking after their own mental health often comes second. The pressures of the job can also make it hard to speak up. Asking for help is not a weakness, and it must never be seen as one,” said Luke.

 

Branch chair Luke Mitchell

 

"Even if you're doing well right now, it's worth checking in with yourself and knowing why.

"This World Mental Health Day, I'd urge our members to take a few minutes to do that. It could make a real difference to you, or to someone else through the conversation it starts."

According to the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), policing is now the profession with the highest rate of mental health-related sickness absence.

Luke said this reality must be faced by the profession, although he also remained optimistic the mental health landscape in policing is heading in a better direction thanks to various campaign efforts.

Access help

“We cannot shy away from the fact that far too many officers are currently not feeling able to access the help they need, for whatever reason. It may come from more of a cultural place, which we still need to improve, or a practical place, if they feel the police support system still isn’t strong enough,” he added.

“Thankfully, there is an appetite in policing to make these things better. In its relatively short lifespan, the Suicide Trauma Education Prevention (STEP) campaign has brought about some promising change, including the mandatory recording of all police suicides and attempted suicides.

“Now, it’s about continuing to gather this momentum and supporting officers before they get to such a breaking point, by reminding them they are never alone and that seeking help is perfectly natural.”

Mental health support

Luke also stressed that mental health support should not be viewed solely through the lens of work.

“Your wellbeing does not simply switch off when you finish your shift, especially when for many officers, even more responsibility awaits them at home and in their personal lives.

“People can be struggling with relationships, family circumstances, financial pressures, bereavement or any number of things outside of work, while at the same time appearing to be completely fine professionally.

“Equally, someone might be thriving in their personal life but be struggling with something connected to policing.

The Federation is here for you

“Whatever your circumstances, your Federation will always be here for you. No matter what else may be going on in the world, and whoever else may need help, your wellbeing is just as important – and we’ll always be here to remind you of that.”

Support services available include:

• Oscar Kilo Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7), designed specifically for active and former police officers, staff and volunteers: 0300 131 2789

• Samaritans (24/7): 116 123

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (available 6pm to midnight every day): 0800 689 5652

READ MORE: WMHD: meet the OK9 dogs helping officers.