Seek help if you have money worries
10 December 2020
West Mercia Police Federation chair Sarah Cooper has encouraged members to seek support if they have money worries this Christmas.
Sarah said the Federation is there to help as she urged officers not to bottle up their financial stresses.
“Money problems and mental health are interlinked,” she said, “Bottling up your worries can have a detrimental effect on your mental health and lead to stress and anxiety.
“It can affect your sleep patterns, your work and your personal relationships. We’re here to support officers and direct them to organisations that can help them sort out their finances.
“We want to end the stigma surrounding talking about money worries.”
Hayley Aley, chair of the national Federation’s wellbeing sub-committee, has published a blog about the mental health impact of financial worries.
“I have been there myself – as a student officer I was a single parent and had sleepless nights worrying about money. If only I knew then what I know now. There is no shame in admitting to others that times are hard – asking for help and support is the most positive thing you can do, not least for your own mental health and wellbeing,” she wrote.
“Money worries can eat away at you – cause you to feel depressed, isolated, destroy your confidence, relationships at work and home, interfere with your family time – the list goes on.
“We want to help you manage your financial stress and we will be shining the light on where to get help and support – keep an eye on our website, social media channels and look out for the next edition of POLICE magazine.
“Some officers who have struggled financially have offered to share their stories and we will be publishing these this month.
“I have no doubt their experiences will resonate with many - inspire and give hope that there is a way through these difficult times.”
Hayley added: “Many officers worry about admitting that they are in financial difficulty for fear of jeopardising their job.
“The truth is that declaring your financial situation to professional standards can alleviate that vulnerability – again a positive step towards getting back on track.
“And don’t forget that you can reach out to your local rep or branch board to support you with that too.”
Visit the Police Federation website for organisations that can help if you’re worried about your finances, or speak to a Fed rep, and find out more about the Federation’s Hear ‘Man Up”, Think ‘Man Down’ mental wellbeing campaign.
Police Mutual has also produced a series of leaflets with advice on taking control of your finances this Christmas.
