Mental wellbeing: support is available

25 February 2021

The chair of West Midlands Police Federation says specialist support will be needed to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on officers’ mental health.

Jon Nott was commenting as the Mind Blue Light Programme develops dedicated support and advice resources in response to the predicted increase in emergency worker mental health issues.

He said: “Unfortunately the after-effects of this pandemic are going to be felt for a long time in many ways. Our officers have been on the frontline of the nation’s fight against this virus and they are not immune to mental health issues.

“What’s important now is that they know help is available and easily accessible and that there is no shame in asking for that help. Mental health already has a devastating impact on individuals and their families and it could have serious repercussions for the service as a whole.”

The Blue Light Programme was set up by Mind in 2015 to offer unique round-the-clock advice and support for frontline workers and emergency responders. It campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Mind has also worked in partnership with Shout, the Samaritans, Hospice UK and The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to develop easily accessible Frontline webpages and an Infoline offering a range of tailored mental health information, tips and tools to support emergency workers with issues relating to the pandemic.

It conducted a Blue Light survey earlier this year and will publish the results in April when the first coronavirus-specific support resource will be launched. It also promoted the idea that simply talking with someone about how you feel can help on this month’s Time to Talk Day, with its theme of “The Power of Small.”

Jon added: “It has been a difficult year and I would urge officers not to suffer in silence. Make that call, speak to a rep, get the help you need and deserve. You have taken care of so many people over the last few months but please remember to take care of yourselves too.”