Police officers are more openly talking about stress in what marks a positive change in culture, South Yorkshire Police Federation says.<\/p>\n
The Federation has seen an increase in people using its counselling services and officers putting their colleagues forward.<\/p>\n
Chair Steve Kent said it was never good to hear officers were struggling, but praised what appeared to be a decline in stigma towards seeking help.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI have noticed that officers are now slightly more keen to talk about stress with a colleague.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, colleagues are willing to put their colleagues forward, which is really important.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really pleased to see that, and long may that continue, because we need to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steve said officers should be empowered to speak with their colleagues and raise issues among their ranks, as well as going down the official avenues.<\/p>\n
He hoped more services would continue to be available so officers had a place to go if they were struggling with their mental health.<\/p>\n