What began as a vehicle supporting community engagement has evolved into one of Suffolk Police Federation's most successful welfare initiatives.

Bringing practical support, wellbeing advice and meaningful conversations directly to members across the county, ‘Feels on Wheels’ has become a familiar sight at police stations and welfare events.

Delivering everything from a hot drink to vital health checks, financial guidance and welfare support, the wellbeing van has clocked up a good few miles since its launch 12 months ago.

And for Emma Arthurs, Suffolk Police Federation's full time Federation representative and wellbeing lead, the van's success has exceeded all expectations.

Emma Arthurs (left) says the van's success has exceeded all expectations

"Our vision has always been to engage with our members," she said. "What's happened is it's grown beyond that. People want to engage with us, and that's been fantastic to see.

"Originally, the van was used as a complementary vehicle at community events, benefiting the public. Now it's been repurposed to benefit our members, and it's become so much more than we imagined."

The van has been modernised with new plug sockets, USB charging points and other practical upgrades thanks to support from the Chief Constable. While Suffolk Police Federation has invested in two Tassimo coffee machines to ensure members can enjoy a quality coffee while taking a well-earned break.

Over the past 12 months, Feels on Wheels has supported 12 welfare tours across Suffolk, visiting officers at events including the Ipswich Town v Norwich City and Norwich City v Ipswich Town football fixtures, while also travelling across the county for men's health campaigns and wellbeing initiatives.

Wellbeing

One of the Federation's priorities has been to make support more accessible by bringing services directly to officers rather than expecting them to seek help themselves.

Working alongside financial wellbeing organisations including Serve and Protect and No1 CopperPot, the Federation has helped officers better understand savings options and improve their financial resilience.

The welfare van has also welcomed Force charity co-ordinator Angie McGlone, who has raised awareness of the Police Benevolent Fund and Flint House.

"Welfare isn't just about mental health," Emma explained, who believes wellbeing is about far more than mental health alone. "It's physical health, financial wellbeing and looking after yourself every day. Sometimes it's as simple as reminding people to apply suncream or encouraging them to have a health check."

One of the initiative's most significant successes came when members had access to the cancer prosthetics. This awareness led to two individuals receiving cancer diagnoses.

"Those conversations potentially changed lives," Emma said. "That's why taking welfare out to people is so important."

Men's health

The van has also supported the Federation's 'Spill the Beans' campaign, travelling across the county to encourage conversations around men's health, while welfare dogs are pencilled in for visits to provide an additional boost to morale.

Looking ahead, the welfare van will also support the launch of a memorial bench later this year, further strengthening connections across the policing family.

Reflecting on the programme's growth, Emma said one of its greatest achievements has been the relationships it has helped to build.

"I've met so many people across different departments and networks," she said. "It's gone from increasing Federation visibility to connecting us with professionals, charities and organisations who all want to help our members."

Emma's own cancer journey has reinforced her determination to promote proactive wellbeing across the Force.

"Cancer gave me opportunities to push on doors I would never have opened," said Emma, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2017 and has since been given the ‘all clear’. "It's taken a really bad situation and allowed me to create something positive. I've made friends as a result of this club that I've joined."

She also credits the support of fellow full-time Federation representatives Ben and Darren for helping turn the vision into reality.

Full time rep

"Being a full time Federation rep, having the support of Ben and Darren hasn't just helped me, it's helped increase the Federation's reputation."

Although some aspects of policing remain outside the Federation's control, Emma believes even the smallest gestures can have a lasting impact.

"We can't fix cancelled rest days," she said. "But we can make someone's day a little bit better."

"Sometimes a sweet caramel latte from the welfare van is enough to start a conversation. Just one conversation can make a huge difference."

Ultimately, she says the initiative reflects why she joined policing in the first place.

"I joined the police to help people," Emma said. "That hasn't changed. It’s just, my audience has changed."

"Now I help police officers so they can continue helping the community. Happy cops come to work, and that's why welfare matters. We need to be proactive, keep building these networks and keep bringing support to where our members need it most."

Read more stories like this in our new Federation magazine.