Officers and NHS staff face off in cricket match to boost mental health awareness
11 September 2025
The fifth staging of the Blue Light Trophy took place at Stourport Cricket Club.
The West Mercia Police team edged a nail-biting contest against the Black Country Health Gladiators by three wickets.
The 20-over match saw the Gladiators post 102, before West Mercia Police chased down the target for the loss of seven wickets.
Federation rep, PC Andy Forbes said the event was about much more than the scoreline.
“It’s all about camaraderie,” he said. “Getting people together, giving them a release from their day jobs, and focusing on health and wellbeing.
Colleagues
“Both teams put in a huge effort on the pitch, but the real victory was in creating a space for colleagues across the emergency services to come together and support each other.”
The Blue Light Trophy was established after the pandemic to raise awareness of mental health in policing and healthcare, as well as fostering closer ties between the two services.
Andy said the clash has now become a firm fixture in the calendar.
“This was our fifth year and we’ve already started putting the feelers out for a date next year,” said Andy.
“Recruitment is strong in all our sports teams at the moment, so it’s relatively easy to get people to play.
“It’s about people enjoying themselves over a game of cricket, building friendships, and maintaining positive mental health.”
READ MORE: West Mercia Police network tacking men's health issues.
