Welfare Support Programme offers crucial ‘lifeline’

25 October 2022

The chair of Suffolk Police Federation has praised the Welfare Support Programme as a “lifeline” for members struggling with their mental health.

Darren Harris today welcomed an announcement by the Police Federation of England and Wales that it will fund the programme for another year until December 2023.

Darren said: “I’m delighted that the Federation has extended funding of its Welfare Support Programme.

“It’s a lifeline for our members who are struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing which could be because of their experiences at work or in their private life.

“Officers are only human and their mental health can be affected by their experiences while carrying out their duties, serving and protecting their communities.

“Not everyone will need it, but for those who do, the programme is an invaluable resource.”

The programme is run by Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), an independent charity providing medical welfare to the armed forces, veterans, NHS staff and emergency services.

More than 500 members have received timely and ongoing mental health support for DMWS since it started providing the Welfare Support Programme in December 2020.

The Welfare Support Programme provides:

Practical and mental support
Clinical assessments and dedicated counselling
Person-centred support (via telephone or face-to-face)
Access to fully trained and accredited professionals
Independent and confidential support
Referrals to appropriate follow-on specialist support.

The Federation has received testimonials from members who have been supported by DMWS.

“That kind of support is priceless, and I count myself as being very lucky to have been provided with such help and support from such an amazing charity,” said one member, adding: “I want it to be known what a difference it has made to me – especially when I have felt unsupported by others.”

Find out more by contacting the Suffolk Police Federation branch or your Federation workplace reps.