Look out for your mental health, and help others

8 October 2021

Federation members are being asked to consider what one thing they can do to mark World Mental Health Awareness Day on Sunday (10 October).

The day is aimed at raising the profile of mental health and giving people a chance to check their own and their colleagues’ wellbeing.

West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott said: “Policing has had an especially tough couple of years, and I know that many members will have been struggling with their mental health as a result.

“This day is a great opportunity for us to see what we can do to help each other talk more openly and honestly about how we’re doing, and show what kind of services are available to those who are struggling.”

Jon’s call is inspired by Mind’s “Do One Thing” campaign, which is also encouraging blue light services to “do one thing” to promote better mental health.

Later this autumn, Mind’s Blue Light Programme will run a campaign aimed at challenging the stigma that often prevents emergency services workers from talking about their mental health.

According to the Police Federation of England and Wales’ July 2021 Pay and Morale Survey, 69 per cent of respondents reported they have experienced difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing over the past 12 months, either caused or exacerbated by work.

However, just 22 per cent of them had subsequently sought help.

Find out more about World Mental Health Day.