Cricket match sees Fed members and NHS staff raise mental health awareness

18 August 2023

West Mercia Police Federation members took on NHS staff in a cricket match to promote mental health and wellbeing.

A West Mercia Police team played the Black Country Health Gladiators at Stourport Cricket Club for the Blue Light Trophy.

It’s becoming an annual fixture, having been launched after the pandemic to raise awareness of mental health and help improve people’s wellbeing.

Federation work-based rep Andy Forbes, who captained the West Mercia Police team, said: “It’s about 22 players enjoying themselves, having a game of cricket and then some light refreshments on a summer’s evening and talking things through.

“It gets us out there, meeting new people and sharing our experiences. It’s a good release.”

Black Country Health Gladiators captain Mohammed Ramzan (left) with West Mercia Police captain Andy Forbes and the Blue Light Trophy

Andy added: “The first game was post-Covid and was about getting people back outdoors and enjoying sport and tackling their mental health.”

The West Mercia Police team was made up of local neighbourhood officers, local police staff and members of the Worcester City Police Cricket Club. The game was won by the Black Country Health Gladiators by 11 runs.

“It was quite tight,” said Andy. “It was very friendly and a really enjoyable evening.”

Read how Federation members got their 'mojo' back by taking part in a five-day ‘life-changing’ mental resilience programme.