World Suicide Prevention Day: PFEW hosting free webinar

9 September 2024

West Mercia Police Federation chair Steve Butler has spoken about the importance of members looking after their own mental health and checking in on each other.

It comes as the Police Federation of England and Wales invites members to a free webinar to discuss mental health and suicide.

Titled Breaking the Silence: Conversations about mental health and suicide, the webinar is part of PFEW’s #AskTwice campaign, which encourages open conversations about mental health and fosters support within policing.

The webinar takes place from 10.30am to midday on World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.

Steve said: “Policing can be an incredibly challenging job. We see tragic incidents, traumatic events, and some of the worst of human nature.

“It can add up and take its toll, which is why we need to be aware of our own mental health and we need to check in on our colleagues,

“Some police officers still see it as a sign of weakness to seek support or fear that they may be seen as unfit for their role – but we need to end that stigma.

Make a difference

“We can all make a difference by encouraging conversations and supporting each other.

“This free PFEW webinar will help to start those conversations and help to break down those barriers to allow people to talk about their mental health.”

The webinar will include personal stories from a branch secretary and equality lead about his struggles with mental health and how he has supported Federation members.

A rep will share her experience and valuable insight into antenatal depression.

And Dr Jess Miller, principal investigator at Cambridge University’s Department of Sociology, will explore the thinking that can lead to suicidal thoughts, and provide strategies for teams to cultivate a supportive environment that addresses and counteracts these harmful patterns.