Welfare Support Programme accessible to all members
28 June 2021
The Federation’s pioneering Welfare Support Programme provides members with a wide range of services including clinical assessment and counselling.
The programme has been further developed by the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) and is funded by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).
It also offers person-centred support, access to fully trained and accredited professionals, independent and confidential support and referrals-appropriate follow-on specialist support.
All subscribing PFEW members can access the support provided by the programme which complements the welfare services already available to officers.
West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott said: “This development of the Welfare Support Programme will really enhance what is on offer to any officer who is in need of extra support.
“Any initiative focussed on the wellbeing of our members is to be welcomed and we are pleased to be teaming up with our colleagues at the DMWS to boost the services on offer.”
PFEW chair John Apter found out more about the new welfare support programme when he visited the DMWS headquarters in Hampshire with Policing Minister Kit Malthouse.
John said: “We’re delighted to be working with Defence Medical Welfare Service to deliver our Welfare Support Programme.
“Our local Federation branches already go above and beyond to help members in their time of need, but thanks to DMWS we can go one step further and provide this extra and invaluable support service to all.
“We are very pleased with the progress so far and we know it is already making a tangible difference to the lives of our colleagues who, when in a dark place, often don’t feel comfortable reaching out to their force, but look to the Federation for support.”
Mr Malthouse said: “Our police officers go above and beyond every single day – risking their safety to protect the public and keep us all safe – so it’s vital we give them the health and wellbeing support they need.
“The work of the Defence Medical Welfare Service complements our efforts and gives police officers a place to go in their time of need – I’m extremely grateful for their efforts and was delighted to visit and see their excellent work in action.”
To find out more about the new WSP, or to get support, please contact DMWS at police@mws.uk.com or on 01264 586 942.
