Mental health remains a Force priority despite funding pressures, says chair

16 October 2025

Suffolk Police Federation says the branch is working with the Force to improve mental health support, as it reassured members that their voices are being heard.

Chair Darren Harris said the branch was doing as much as possible to push for improvements in prevention and support.

But he said a lack of funding from the Government meant Suffolk Police was unable to invest as much as it wanted into officers’ mental health and wellbeing.

Darren said: “Policing is underfunded right across the board, and that includes the mental health support for officers.

“The Force is doing as much as it can with the resources it has available.

“It is having to make difficult decisions every day as to what it can and can’t fund, and unfortunately, that includes in mental health and wellbeing.

“We’ll continue to work with the Force and push for the best support for our members, but there’s only so much the Force can do without extra money from the Government.”

Darren was responding to comments on social media following the publication of an article on World Mental Health Day, which encouraged members to seek help if they were struggling with their emotional wellbeing.

Mental health

He said: “It is really positive that members feel confident in commenting and drawing attention to mental health issues in policing.

“It shows that some of the stigma is being eradicated.

“We hear what they are saying, and we are doing all we can to support them.

“We’ll continue to work with the Force on mental health awareness, on prevention, on training for supervisors, de-briefing, and recognising issues.

“The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is putting pressure on the Police Covenant to recognise that there needs to be further support for officers.

Funding

“And we’ll continue to call on the Government for the funding that is so desperately needed for sustainable improvements.”

In the meantime, if you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Support is available through the Federation.

The Feels on Wheels wellbeing bus is continuing its tour, with upcoming dates including:

29 October: Lowestoft and Halesworth, including CID departments in East
5 November: (Men's Health ‘MOVEMBER’ tour with Men's Wellbeing Coach Joe Ball) West of County to include Haverhill, Sudbury, Stowmarket, BSE and RAPT/ARV

Support is available by calling:

Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7) designed for police officers and staff: 0300 131 2789
Samaritans (24/7): 116 123
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (available 6pm to midnight every day): 0800 689 5652
Mind’s Blue Light Infoline: 0300 303 5999