‘Feels on Wheels’: mental health support van launches in Suffolk

19 May 2025

An innovative new initiative has officially hit the road in Suffolk, aiming to bring mental health support directly to the doorstep of police officers and Federation members.

Launched by Suffolk Police Federation this year's Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May), ‘Feels on Wheels’ is a wellbeing van designed to offer confidential, accessible mental health support to officers wherever they are based. 

The initiative comes in response to growing recognition of the emotional toll frontline policing can take and the need for proactive, approachable support.

The driving force behind the van is Emma Arthurs-Newman, the Federation's equality lead says: "Wellbeing and mental health isn't something we can shy away from. Sometimes, it's easy to ignore the signs that our body is telling us something is wrong - but that's where initiatives like Feels on Wheels have a part to play.

 

Emma Arthurs-Newman and Matt Paisley.

 

"The main aim of the van has always been to provide a safe space for people to talk about anything, whether that's cancer, mental health or just a chance to open up about a recent job they found difficult."

Emma, who speaks openly about her own experience with cancer, uses breast and testicle props to encourage conversations around cancer while raising awareness of the disease, ended: "I'm really looking forward to getting on the road and having those conversations - obviously I'll be taking my props with me."

Vice chair of Suffolk Police Federation, Matt Paisley, said the initiative was about breaking down barriers, sparking conversations and providing members with wellbeing support out in the community.

“We know how demanding policing is physically, emotionally, and mentally,” said Matt.

“Officers are facing unprecedented pressures, and it’s not always easy to step away from the job to seek support. 

“Whether we’re taking the van to a traumatic incident where officers are spending days investigating or to members who are working overtime at a football match, Feels on Wheels brings that support to them.”

Seek support

Stocked up with refreshments and a Fed rep on board ready to listen, Feels on Wheels acts as a natural ice breaker, by way of encouraging members to open up about their wellbeing.

Matt added: “I think there’s still a nervousness from police officers around sitting in front of a professional and opening up. The beauty of Feels on Wheels is that it’s cops talking to cops - the trust is already there. It’s an informal setting, with officers having a chat over a coffee and a chocolate bar.

“While police officers aren’t counsellors, we’re friends and colleagues who have shared similar journeys and experiences with each other.”

The van will travel to stations and locations across the county, providing a quiet space for one-on-one conversations, mental health check-ins, and signposting to further resources. 

While the Federation has developed the initiative, the van itself is funded by the Force.

“This isn’t about ticking a box,” Matt continued. “It’s about showing our members that their wellbeing genuinely matters. We hope this becomes a space where officers feel safe, heard, and supported.

Pay and morale

“At the end of the day, we can all talk about workers' rights, regulations and processes, but ultimately, if our members aren’t feeling OK, the rest is irrelevant. If our members aren’t fit for battle, then they can’t and won’t work efficiently.”

The launch comes just weeks after the results of this year's Pay and Morale Survey, which revealed that 80 per cent of respondents from Suffolk Constabulary admitted to experiencing feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety or other difficulties with their health and wellbeing over the last 12 months.

In addition, 85 per cent of respondents felt that morale within the Force is currently ‘low’ or ‘very low’, with half of those who responded (50 per cent) telling the survey that their own personal morale is currently ‘low’ or ‘very low’. 

Matt ended: "The launch of Feels on Wheels marks a significant step forward in the Federation’s commitment to supporting mental health and wellbeing in the Force.

"If you see Feels on Wheels out and about, please stop by - and let's have a chat over a cuppa."

If you would like to book Feels on Wheels or would like more information on the van, then contact the Federation team, who will gladly advise.

READ MORE: Poor pay and poor morale stand out in latest survey.