‘We have got to look out for each other’ says Fed equality lead

10 September 2025

Branch equality lead Emma Arthurs-Newman has marked World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) by underlining the importance of collective responsibility and independent help sources when it comes to supporting officer mental health.

Experienced Fed rep Emma, who has recently stepped into a full-time role with the branch, has proved her dedication to the wellbeing of members time and time again through various roles and initiatives.

The 47-year-old has been responsible for launching the ‘Feels on Wheels’ mobile sessions, which take place in the Force’s welfare van throughout the year, and establishing a point-of-contact for officers living with cancer across both Suffolk and Norfolk constabularies.

 

 

Sharing her thoughts specifically on mental health and the way it can deteriorate to dangerous levels within policing, however, Emma cast her mind back to an experience she had long before her Federation career began.

“One time I can remember feeling like I could have spiralled was when I was being investigated by Force Professional Standards Department (PSD) in 2006. It was a very testing time – the kind where you can become very mentally fragile, very quickly,” she said.

“Fortunately, I was able to keep relatively positive and well – thanks to the support I had around me – and the case was eventually resolved, but there are now more and more officers being investigated in similar circumstances, and that does worry me.

Accountable

“Of course, we have to be kept accountable in the police, but it also strengthens a culture of self-consciousness and paranoia where officers are then afraid of being judged by the Force if they say they’re struggling with their mental health.”

Emma has also drawn attention to Oscar Kilo’s newly launched 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line, which gives Federation members around-the-clock help at the end of the phone.

“I think this helpline is a great source of support – not only is it completely independent, but it is 24/7, free, strictly confidential, and crucially, bespoke to policing," Emma continued. 

“We all know we face challenges and trauma like in no other job, which constantly tests our mental resilience, so I think it’s huge that the helpline’s call handlers have experience and knowledge of the policing and emergency service worlds.”

Emma also pointed towards the unique demands of the profession in appealing for all members of the police family to play their part in making each other feel seen and heard.

“Increasingly, we have got to look out for each other, and the safeguarding of officers is everyone’s responsibility,” she added.

Awkward conversations

“We know what we face day-to-day better than anyone else, so it’s crucial we embrace those sometimes-awkward conversations with colleagues and be specific with our questions in a way people on the outside can’t.

“Our job is hard, and struggling with it does not make you a bad officer or a weak person, and we must always remind each other of that.”

As part of doing her bit towards this commitment, Emma confirmed she will be holding a ‘Feels on Wheels’ day on Thursday 18 September centred around reaching out to Fed members and making them aware of the diversity of wellbeing support available to them.

Alongside the Force’s charities coordinator, Angie McGlone, and branch office administrator and Group Insurance Scheme (GIS) ‘guru’ Kat Cole, Emma is set to tour the welfare van across Ipswich – including Landmark House, Bury St Edmunds – including Rowan House, and Stowmarket.

The trio will be telling officers how they can access help for the likes of financial hardship and bereavement, as well as counselling through the branch’s GIS partner, Gallaghers.

“Beyond this information, it will also be an opportunity to check in and have a general chat about your wellbeing, should you want to talk to us.

Feels on Wheels

“Now I’m full-time, I’ll be able to ramp up ‘Feels on Wheels’ even more, and the idea is to start doing four of these specific sessions a year.

“The Federation may not always have the exact answer you need, but we will always signpost you to the best place for your individual circumstances, and we will always be here for you, no matter what.

“There are Fed reps in every corner of Suffolk, so if you are ever struggling or need any kind of advice or guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact one of us.”

For immediate support, you can call the Mental Health Crisis Line – designed for police officers and staff – day or night on 0300 131 2789.

Alternatively, non-police options include Samaritans (available 24/7) on 116 123 and the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (available 6pm to midnight every day) on 0800 689 5652.