Fed members urged to support Get Active challenge

14 January 2021

Federation members are being urged to get active and sign up to a get active challenge and help raise money for policing charity Police Care UK.

Kicking off on Monday (18 January), the Blue Light Get Active Challenge encourages members to get moving, which in turn will boost their mental and physical wellbeing.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible from the Force getting involved in this year’s challenge,” said Cliff Tomkinson, full-time equality lead officer at West Midlands Police Federation.

“From walking, running, cycling, or even just taking part in one of Joe Wicks’ online classes, there is a way for everyone to take part. So dust off your trainers and sign up now. Free fund-raising places are limited, so don’t delay.

“With the ongoing pandemic, now is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to virtually come together and compete for points, while supporting a good cause.”

Now more than ever Police Care UK needs support, having seen an increase in demand over the past year.

Dave Blundell, engagement officer at Police Care UK, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge effect on everybody’s mental health, including that of many of our police colleagues who we support.”

Police Care UK is a national charity for serving and veteran police officers and staff, volunteers and their families who have suffered any physical or psychological harm as a result of policing.

It offers psychological support, financial assistance, specialist equipment grants, career transition advice, veterans’ peer support and educational bursaries. Find out more about Police Care UK.

The Blue Light Get Active Challenge will run from Monday until 14 February and people can sign up any time before 13 February. Sign up here.

Participants can also opt to raise money for The Firefighters Charity, The Ambulance Staff Charity and The Children’s Air Ambulance.