Oscar Kilo Unveils Parenting Toolkit to Support Officers with Young Children

Officers daunted by challenges of early parenthood or exhausted by sleepless nights could benefit from new support launched by Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service.

An information pack and five short videos aimed at officers with young children or those preparing to welcome a new arrival cover what to expect in the early months, recognise normal emotional reactions, emphasise support networks and offer practical tips on bonding, improving sleep and keeping babies safe.

Steve Kent, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, welcomed the initiative and praised both Oscar Kilo’s work and the branch’s own efforts through group insurance and the force benevolent society. He said forces must do more than simply react when officers face illness, stress or tragedy.

“Cops really need a toolkit. A little glossary of organisations they can turn to when they’re in crisis. It might be for stress, for health problems or, in the worst cases, when we lose a colleague.”

The new videos, developed in partnership with child psychologist Nicole Radcliffe, break down essential topics into clear categories, covering emotional wellbeing, sleep strategies and baby safety.

Steve said that such targeted guidance can ease the transition back to duty after parental leave.

“We forget about things like this until they’re needed most. That’s why it’s vital to push these resources out proactively so every officer and family know exactly where to go,” he added.