Mental health is as important as physical health, says Fed chair

10 October 2025

North Yorkshire Police Federation chair Rob Bowles is encouraging members to use today’s World Mental Health Day (Friday 10 October) to take time for themselves.

Rob said the day was a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health.

He said: “Mental health issues can affect anyone, so it’s important we take time to assess our emotions and how we’re feeling.

“We need to think of our mental health in the same way as our physical health. If we hurt our ankle, we take time to rest it until it heals.

“It’s the same with mental health. It’s okay to put our hands up and say we feel stressed, anxious, or depressed, and to take time for ourselves.”

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

The 2025 North Yorkshire Police Federation Pay and Morale Survey highlighted some of the issues facing members.

Three-fifths of respondents said their personal morale was ‘low’ or ‘very low’
91 per cent felt morale in the Force was ‘low’ or ‘very low’
One fifth (21 per cent) said they intended to leave policing with morale (81 per cent) and the impact of the job on their mental health (77 per cent) the main factors
44 per cent of respondents said they find their job ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressful.
And 84 per cent had experienced feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety, or other difficulties with their health and wellbeing over the last 12 months

Rob said: “Policing is a job like no other, and our members face daily trauma and risk that which can take its toll.

“And its not just what they experience at work. Like everyone else, they have private lives and there may be things there that impact them, such as health, relationships, or finances.

Support

“If you are experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties, please reach out. Talk to colleagues, speak to your Federation rep or your line manager, and access the support that’s available.

“Please don’t suffer in silence.”

Support services available:

Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7) designed for police officers and staff: 0300 131 2789
Samaritans (24/7): 116 123
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (available 6pm to midnight every day): 0800 689 5652
Mind’s Blue Light Infoline: 0300 303 5999