John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), joined Policing Minister Kit Malthouse on a visit to the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) head office on Friday 11 June.

The purpose of their visit was to learn more about a pioneering Welfare Support Programme (WSP) that PFEW and DMWS will now provide to all subscribing Federation members across England and Wales.

The scheme, funded by PFEW, is designed to complement the services already available. It will offer a wide range of welfare support including clinical assessment, counselling, person-centred support, access to fully trained and accredited professionals, independent and confidential support and referrals-appropriate follow-on specialist support.

John Apter said, “We’re delighted to be working with Defence Medical Welfare Service to deliver our Welfare Support Programme. Our local Federation branches already go above and beyond to help members in their time of need, but thanks to DMWS we can go one step further and provide this extra and invaluable support service to all.

“We are very pleased with the progress so far and we know it is already making a tangible difference to the lives of our colleagues who, when in a dark place, often don’t feel comfortable reaching out to their force, but look to the Federation for support.”

Also in attendance at the event were Mr Nigel Atkinson, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, accompanied by his wife Christine Atkinson, who is a champion of DMWS.

Speaking at the event, Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said, “Our police officers go above and beyond every single day – risking their safety to protect the public and keep us all safe – so it’s vital we give them the health and wellbeing support they need.

“The work of the Defence Medical Welfare Service complements our efforts and gives police officers a place to go in their time of need – I’m extremely grateful for their efforts and was delighted to visit and see their excellent work in action.”

To find out more about the new WPS, or to get support, please contact DMWS police@mws.uk.com or 01264 586 942