Nottinghamshire Police Federation members are being encouraged to check in on each other as they are invited to be part of a mental health webinar.

Members are being encouraged to ask how their colleagues are, and to be mindful of their own wellbeing.

It comes as the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is marking World Suicide Prevention Day by holding a free webinar.

The webinar is part of PFEW’s #AskTwice campaign and aims to open conversations about mental health and suicide. It takes place from 10.30am to midday on 10 September.

Branch chair Simon Riley says it’s also an opportunity for members to take time for their own mental health and to check in on their colleagues.

Simon said: “We know the pressures of being a police officer and sometimes it can become too much.

“Just because we are the ones helping others, it doesn’t mean we don’t need help ourselves.

“We want to encourage and empower people to talk about their mental health – just one conversation could save a person’s life.

“We are often the best people to know if our colleagues are struggling, and PFEW’s #AskTwice campaign aims to encourage officers speak to their workmates to spot the early signs of mental ill-health and intervene if necessary.

“Awareness events, such as PFEW’s webinar, give us a chance to do that, and to take stock of our own wellbeing.”

Shocking new Government figures showed there were 6,069 suicides in England and Wales in 2023, up from 5,642 in 2022. It’s the highest rate since 1999.

Suicide prevention

Simon said: “Suicide can affect anyone, which is why I would encourage members to attend PFEW’s free World Suicide Prevention Day webinar if they can.”

PFEW’s #AskTwice campaign encourages open conversations about mental health and fosters support within policing.

The webinar will include personal stories from a branch secretary and equality lead about his struggles with mental health and how he has supported Federation members.

A rep will share her experience and valuable insight into antenatal depression.

And Dr Jess Miller, principal investigator at Cambridge University’s Department of Sociology, will explore the thinking that can lead to suicidal thoughts, and provide strategies for teams to cultivate a supportive environment that addresses and counteracts these harmful patterns.

Register now on the PFEW website.

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