Mind launches mental health toolkit for officers

14 April 2021

West Midlands Police Federation secretary Steve Grange has welcomed a mental health toolkit launched by leading mental health charity Mind and designed specifically to support police officers and other emergency service workers during the ongoing pandemic.

The toolkit, which sits under Mind’s Blue Light Programme, provides advice and information and will be further developed over the coming months.

Mind research has shown that two thirds of police staff believe their mental health had got worse – and in many cases, much worse – since the start of the pandemic.

In addition to the new demands of the job, two thirds of police said they were concerned about passing coronavirus on to their friends and family, and 42 per cent said their mental health was affected by news and media coverage. A third of emergency services staff said they didn’t look for help because they didn’t think their issues were serious enough.

Speaking about Mind’s research findings, Steve said: “These results show that it is more important than ever for officers to receive support for their mental health.

“By the very nature of the role, being a police officer can be stressful and over time that stress can have a real impact on people’s mental wellbeing. The pandemic has brought additional pressures with frontline officers putting their health at risk on a daily basis while serving and protecting the public. While they have been doing that, they have also had to cope with their own issues – such as home schooling, trying to care for elderly or vulnerable family members or coping with a reduction in household income due to a partner losing their job or being furloughed. These will all have taken their toll.

“I’m pleased Mind has launched this toolkit. Speaking about mental health is nothing to be ashamed of but these resources give officers somewhere to turn to for help and support.

“Of course, I hope our members also know that the Federation is always here to help too and can help officers access support tailored to their needs.”

The new toolkit will help police officers manage their mental health, take care of themselves and also encourage them to reach out to family, friends and colleagues who might be struggling.

Building on Mind’s existing support for emergency service workers, it will evolve based on feedback from the police community, and the charity will be adding new resources and sources of help when they become available throughout the year.

The toolkit and more information on the Blue Light Programme, along with advice and support, is now available on the Mind website.