‘The biggest recovery method for me was talking’ says Fed rep on World Mental Health Day

10 October 2024

To mark World Mental Health Day 2024 (10 October), we caught up with West Midlands Police Federation workplace representative Matthew (Matt) Manwaring as he urged members to break down barriers around the stigma of mental illness in policing.

Sergeant Matt has been a strong advocate for mental health support in the police force ever since his own struggles over 20 years ago, when a series of incidents at work left him battling suicidal ideation.

Once on the road to recovery, he became central in efforts to roll out Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) to a wider base of staff within West Midlands Police. This enabled more officers to be assisted by specially trained practitioners in the long-term aftermath of a traumatic event witnessed on the job.

With help such as TRiM now readily available to police officers in a way it wasn’t for Matt at his lowest, he encouraged Federation members to take advantage.

The theme for this year's World Mental Health Day is mental health in the workplace

“There is a perception that police must always be tough and resilient, but we need to remember it’s okay to feel the impact of what we do,” he said.

“The support and education around mental health is there for police officers and it’s there for a reason. You are not weak if you need help, and it’s important you don’t let anything get in the way of seeking it.

“Before that point, I think police officers need to know where they’re at themselves with their mental health, so they can keep on top of it.

“My advice would be to stay present and pay attention to how you feel in the moment, and embrace the human side of yourself – if you’re feeling anxious, for example, don’t shut that out when it’s a valid feeling.”

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is an annual awareness day designed to bring attention on mental illness and its impact on people’s lives.

It was started in 1992 by the World Federation of Mental Health, who have selected this year’s theme as mental health in the workplace.

Matt outlined his backing for this focus, adding: “Policing is a profession that always needs recognition for its unique challenges, and as such, the unique consequences it can have on its workers.

“When it comes to trauma, the average police officer will witness 600 to 800 events with some kind of traumatic element over a 30-year career, compared to 6 to 8 events for an average person outside of the Force.

“Within all of those incidents, officers will respond differently and be most deeply affected by different things – it just depends on you as a person and your mind. So, while being united as one towards mental health awareness is crucial, I also think that individualism needs to be recognised, so then nothing slips under the radar.”

The 49-year-old also highlighted to Fed members the importance of speaking out about any struggles they are going through, so no mental health difficulties in the Force go uncared for.

Talking

“The biggest recovery method for me was talking. It took me a while, but everything got easier from that point onwards.

“In my opinion, the Federation have got a point now where they are very strong on supporting its members with their mental health. We can point you the direction of many different platforms, based on your needs.

“I would like to remind members that you can always contact your local Fed rep for a conversation in total confidence. And me, personally – I am always around to talk to.

“Come rain or shine, we will always be there to help you,” Matt ended.

READ MORE: Sergeant opens up about mental health.