After recently turning his border terrier into an official Force wellbeing dog, a Federation member has revealed plans to deliver mental health support to policing colleagues far and wide.

Together, Simon White and his four-year-old pooch Peggy make up Suffolk Constabulary’s latest wellbeing help team, adding to the handful of support animals already active in the organisation.

The pair are now fully qualified to offer their services to both officers and staff in partnership with Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, with Simon undertaking 30 hours of mental health first aid and peer support training in recent months.

Custody Sergeant Simon says he and his wife - fellow Force personnel Kristy - first came up with the idea last year, before getting the ball rolling with colleagues who could help make it happen.

Force wellbeing dog Peggy.

“We’ve had Peggy since she was a puppy, and we’ve always known her to have the typical nature of a wellbeing dog. She is calm, friendly, and absolutely loves people. She’s been around our work environment plenty of times before, and has met other officers, staff, solicitors, and even, where appropriate, the odd detainee,” he explained.

“With her now a bit older, it made perfect sense to consider whether she could be a wellbeing dog at work, and it was something we started to give serious thought to.

“Peggy seemed up for the job, so we decided to go for it – and I’m so glad we did, because now we can start making a real impact and giving a boost to those who need it.”

As Simon and Peggy get underway with providing care, a mix of proactive pop-up sessions and reactive visits is set to be on the horizon for the duo, with any member of the Force now able to book them either for themselves as individuals or for their team.

Listening ear

One of their first assignments saw them visit the Force’s Major Investigation Team in March, as they look to keep spirits up and lend a listening ear to departments where high-pressure policing is the norm.

“The way it will work is with Peggy leading the way – she makes people happy, and that can be the gateway to conversations starting. The first step to opening up is almost always the hardest, so the idea is that Peggy will help break down barriers and make sure people know they are in a safe and relaxed environment,” Simon said.

“Once this is done, I can then follow up and have a chat with the officer or staff member.”

For Simon, whose Force role is based in Martlesham, this extra-curricular work represents an opportunity to help his policing counterparts with their mental health after struggling with his own trauma sustained on the job.

Wellbeing dog

It was during a training event for disaster victim identification at Essex Police that he recalls taking further inspiration for Peggy’s new role, after being put at ease by another wellbeing dog on duty that day.

“This is a big deal for me, and the thought of supporting my colleagues in this way fills me with pride,” he added.

“Of course, I will be using what I’ve learnt in training, but I will also be falling back on my own experiences in the Force. I’m keen to get out to as many people as I can and take some weight off them, because we all know how demanding this job can be on our minds at times.”

Later this year, the Federation will give its backing to Simon and Peggy through branch equality and wellbeing lead Emma Arthurs, and her popular ‘Feels on Wheels’ roadshows.

Peggy is set to go out in the Force welfare van.

Emma is set to take the pair out in the Force’s welfare van in June, when they will tour as many Suffolk Constabulary stations and patrol areas as possible to ‘give our colleagues a break and a welcome distraction’.

Emma said: “I’m very much looking forward to having Simon and Peggy with me in the van. Peggy will be able to wear her special Oscar Kilo coat on her travels, and I know people will just love her.

“I think officers and staff will appreciate their presence even more in the summer months, when the days are longer and demand is often busier.

“Until then, our members should remember that wellbeing support is only ever a phone call, email or conversation with a Fed rep away. There are always people and services out there waiting to help you.”

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