Latest edition of the Federation magazine is out now

19 December 2025

The Winter 2025 edition of Connect, the magazine of West Mercia Police Federation, is out now.

Connect is packed with news and views from your Federation, and with members’ stories and successes.

Branch secretary Lesley Williams reflects on a year for the branch that has brought ‘challenge and reward’ in her column.

She says a heartfelt ‘thank-you’ to members for their ‘commitment, resilience, and professionalism’ during 2025 and looks ahead to key dates in 2026.

Lesley also features in a review of the year, after she became the branch’s first female secretary.

The year review also includes the incredible story of Sergeant Kully Singh and PC Stacey Hegenbarth.

They were the winners of the regional Police Bravery Award for their courageous handling of an incident on the M5 in 2024, when a car was travelling the wrong way along the southbound carriageway.

Memorial Day

Elsewhere, Fed rep Sergeant Rob ‘Swoosh’ Seewoosaha speaks of his pride at representing the branch at this year’s National Police Memorial Day service.

There’s a ‘thank-you’ from the West Mercia Police Men’s Health Network for the support it has received during Movember and a call for fresh ideas for the network in 2026.

Meet neighbourhood officers PC Mark Bennett and PC Sam Maher, who are leading on the rapid roll-out of life-saving bleed kits.

Hear about how officers are gaining valuable experience through mutual aid deployments, and the Federation members strengthening community ties and promoting mental wellbeing through cricket and rugby.

Retention

There’s a report on fears that tax threshold freezes in the Budget will significantly harm officers’ finances and worsen retention issues.

Members can read in-depth coverage of the Police Federation of England and Wales conference 2025.

It includes a feature on the growing impact of the Copped Enough campaign, national efforts to improve pay, conditions and wellbeing, and stark discussions around officer welfare and mental health.

Key developments, including progress on the #SimplifyDG6 campaign and calls for standardised psychological testing for new recruits, are also covered.

It’s all in the Winter 2025 edition of Connect. Read online now.