Do your bit for World Mental Health Day
7 October 2021
West Mercia Police Federation has asked members to consider what “one thing” they can do to mark World Mental Health Day on Sunday (10 October).
Federation chair Sarah Cooper said: “There are so many ways you can check in on yourself and others, and with policing under pressure like never before there’s more need than ever for us to be on top of mental health and wellbeing.
“For example, you could take five minutes to talk to a colleague – ask them how they are doing and, if you think they are struggling, dig a little deeper. So many of us feel the need to put on a brave face but confidential support is available and asking for help is the first step to taking away some of that burden. As a Federation, we are here to support and signpost to the help that is available so please make contact if needed.”
Sarah’s call is inspired by Mind’s “Do One Thing” campaign, which is also encouraging blue light services to “do one thing” to promote better mental health.
Later this autumn, Mind’s Blue Light Programme will run a campaign aimed at challenging the stigma that often prevents emergency services workers from talking about their mental health.
According to the Police Federation of England and Wales’ July 2021 Pay and Morale Survey, 69 per cent of respondents reported they have experienced difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing over the past 12 months, either caused or exacerbated by work.
However, just 22 per cent of them had subsequently sought help.
