SUPPORT is out there for officers who are feeling the stresses and strains of the job – and they are being urged to not suffer in silence.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Federation Chair Zuleika Payne says early intervention is key to ensuring the health and wellbeing of officers and is pleased that it\u2019s being taken seriously by forces.<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficers who may not be in a good place might not actually recognise it themselves, it could be their colleagues or peer group that notice the changes in somebody\u2019s demeanour, behaviour and general character.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarly intervention is key\u201d she says<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are in times now where we\u2019ve seen a shift away from the stigma or fear of stigma that has been attached to health, wellbeing and mental ill-health issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy plea to officers is please don\u2019t underestimate the amount of support that is out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The South Yorkshire force recently hosted a \u2018Well Together\u2019 Event, to highlight some of the issues that can affect officers. An event such as this is an important way to ensure the issues are not swept under the carpet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event was very well attended. It was reassuring to see that the start of the day, the opening, was delivered by an Assistant Chief Constable here in South Yorkshire (ACC David Hartley).<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re mindful of the fact that health and wellbeing is something we need to keep developing and emphasising. Ultimately this is about the health of officers who are the most valuable asset in the organisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor officers it\u2019s about reminding them to speak out and to speak to somebody.\u201d<\/p>\n
New \u2018Responding to Trauma in Policing\u2019 guidelines from the College of Policing have been released and aim to help officers and police leaders tackle common mental health issues. Advice for PCs, specialist officers and those working in disaster response is offered in the report.<\/p>\n
For more information visit; https:\/\/oscarkilo.org.uk\/responding-trauma-policing-new-college-guidance\/<\/a><\/p>\n