Worried about money? Help on hand

24 February 2021

Members are being encouraged to talk about their money worries for the good of their mental health.

The advice comes in a new Police Mutual factsheet, which aims to help police officers take control of their financial wellbeing during the ongoing pandemic.

Police Mutual, which provides financial services and welfare support to the police service, has produced its third guide for Federation members on money issues during coronavirus.

The factsheet signposts people to a care line service provided by Health Assured, which offers advice and information to help with a range of concerns, including emotional support.

The guide also aims to help officers take control of their finances. It includes a budget calculator to help you manage your money, advice on savings, and tips on how you can spend less.

The leaflet also offers tips on payment holidays, how to save on insurance and bills, and checking your accounts regularly.

Police Mutual has also produced a separate guide to redundancy in partnership with PayPlan, a leading debt advice provider, which offers free and confidential advice to anyone in serious financial difficulties.

PayPlan’s Redundancy Guide aims to talk people through what to do if they’re in debt and being made redundant.

Pete Musgrave, chair of Humberside Police Federation, said: “Although police officers cannot be made redundant, they are not exempt from the effects of the unemployment caused by the pandemic.  We are aware that some officers’ partners or family members face unemployment or redundancy and this guide is a useful reference which can help them in this situation.”