'Underused but invaluable': Federation welfare van ready to support members

16 January 2026

North Yorkshire Police Federation is reminding members that its welfare van is available to support officers across the Force.

Branch reps described it as a ‘great resource that is underused’.

The welfare van provides officers with a warm and dry space to rest, regroup, and take proper breaks during demanding duties.

Federation rep Anya Hanbury said the van can be delivered or collected by an officer to be deployed at planned events and to spontaneous operations.

She said: “We want to remind people that it’s there.

“If officers have got planned operations or training, they can book the van so it’s sorted and stocked and ready, giving them somewhere to take breaks.

“But they can call upon it whenever it's needed. For example, a crime scene may have been open for a few days and they can contact us to deliver the van so that officers have refreshments and a place to rest.”

Anya said that while the van has been used for things such as Operation Tornado days, warrants, and firearms training, uptake varies across the Force.

Crime scenes

“In my opinion, it’s most valuable when officers are at crime scenes or road closures for long periods,” she said.

“Having somewhere to step away, warm up and have a proper break makes a real difference. It’s a great resource that’s very underused.”

Fellow Federation rep, Stuart Diggle, said the van was introduced around four years ago and is fully equipped to meet officers’ basic welfare needs.

“It’s got seating, heating, a fridge, microwave, hand-wash sink and a water boiler for hot drinks,” he said.

“There’s also a gazebo that can be put up outside, which is really useful in bad weather.

“It can go pretty much anywhere officers need it, scene guards, training in rural areas, or anywhere they wouldn’t normally have access to hot water or a warm place to rest.”

Stuart acknowledged the van had not been used as much as it could have in recent years. But he said that was starting to change.

Cup of tea

“When it has been used, particularly over winter, it’s been very welcome,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just about the basics of a hot cup of tea, somewhere to warm up, and somewhere to sit.

“If you get the basics right, it really helps officers on the ground.”

For more information about the welfare van, or to request its use, email Anya or Stuart.