‘Don’t suffer in silence this World Mental Health Day’

10 October 2024

Today (Thursday 10 October) is World Mental Health Day and an opportunity to encourage members to open up about how they are feeling, says the Federation.

The annual event has ‘workplace mental health’ as its theme this year and will see supporters wearing green ribbons, holding 'Tea & Talk' sessions and posting on social media using the hashtag #WMHD2024.

Simon Riley, chair of Nottinghamshire Police Federation, says mental health is a serious issue within policing and a topic that 'we cannot afford to shy away from'. 

He explained: “If we look at the Federation’s Pay and Morale Survey from last year, 40 per cent of the officers who responded said they find policing ‘stressful or extremely stressful’.

“And four in five of our colleagues experienced low mood, stress or anxiety in the previous 12 months. That is why it's more important than ever that we take mental health seriously and remove some of the stigma that still exists. 

"I don’t want anyone to feel that they need to bottle up their concerns. I would encourage members to speak to a Fed Rep about concerns or talk to a trusted colleague or friend - please don’t suffer in silence.”

World Mental Health Day takes place on 10 October.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has a national campaign called #AskTwice that seeks to promote a supportive culture within policing, prioritising mental, physical, financial, and general wellbeing over ‘insecurity and isolation’. The idea is to ask a colleague how they are, and if you're not convinced by the answer, ask twice.

"Policing is no ordinary job. The pressures and demands our members face on a daily basis have reached new levels. I appreciate life - both at work and at home - is busy, but it's vital that we all take a break for ourselves. Even if it's just grabbing a cuppa and having a chat with a friend - sometimes, the smallest actions can make the biggest difference," continued Simon.

Within Nottinghamshire Police, a total of 255 officers were signed off work in the 2023-24 financial year due to mental ill-health, a rise of 28 from the previous year.

Simon ended: “We are a police family, and we need to look after each other - not just for one day of the year, but 365 days of the year.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to urge members to stop and reflect on their own wellbeing and to reach out if they need that support."

For more information, visit mentalhealth.org.uk.

READ MORE: Don't forget to take the Pay and Morale Survey.