24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line Is Crucial

South Yorkshire Police Federation has urged officers and police staff who are feeling close to breaking point to call Oscar Kilo’s Mental Health Crisis Line.

Oscar Kilo launched the 24/7/365 crisis line last year and they say it has already saved lives. People can speak confidentially to a qualified counsellor trained in suicide prevention and experienced in helping those who work in the emergency services.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “Having a simple number to call, which is like a cop’s equivalent to Samaritans, is so important.”

Steve said it was particularly useful to be able to talk to someone who understands policing, and is independent of the force. He also said he’d seen a big rise in anxiety: “When I talk to people and sit down with them, they tell me how anxious they are. Cops are scared, when cops are supposed to be the brave ones who are protecting society, and that’s not right.”

He added: “In six months’ time, I want us to be in the position where every cop knows the crisis line number off the top of their head, not necessarily because they’ve used it, but so they can be confident that they can use it if they need to.”

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line: call 0300 131 2789 or visit www.oscarkilo.org.uk/crisis-line