Former Fed member launched wellbeing retreat for police officers

4 July 2023

A former West Midlands Police Federation member who left the Force due to undiagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and burnout now runs her own business, offering officers and their families the chance to enjoy a wellbeing retreat.

Having served in the police for 15 years, Hannah Bailey left the Force in 2013 and decided to re-train as a psychotherapist, leading to the launch of Blue Light Wellbeing, offering workshops, coaching and therapy sessions to current and former officers.

She has since collaborated with fellow police alumni Andy Labrum, a former Northamptonshire police officer, and founder of Blue Light Leavers, giving members of the police family the opportunity to disconnect from the job while engaging with others who have shared similar experiences.

“We want to give officers and staff, as well as their immediate family members, a place to disconnect from the police while being surrounded by like-minded people who completely understand one another,” said 46-year-old mother-of-two Hannah.

As well as experiencing undiagnosed PTSD and burnout during the latter part of her time in the Force, Hannah was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After taking nine months off work due to her illness, Hannah returned to work, only for the cancer to come back.

Former police officer Hannah Bailey.

“I’m pleased to say I’m fine now, both mentally and physically. However, at the time, I remember feeling, if I don’t leave this job now, it will kill me. This isn’t a blame game or an opportunity to criticise the police, but it is about me wanting to use my experiences to hopefully help others.

“I had to learn how to look after myself again. I’d been in the Force since I was 21 and I felt useless when I left. I had no idea who I was or what I was going to do. My physical and mental health was very poor.

“One of the questions I kept on asking myself was ‘how do I fit into this world without policing?’”

Hannah explained how the retreats give serving and former officers and staff, the time and space they need to reconnect with themselves, while learning to understand and manage personal change, and their own mental health.

“It’s important to acknowledge that the retreats aren’t about treating those with PTSD, it gives participants new and different ways to learn about their wellbeing,” she continued.

Depending on the location, the two-night retreats include a variety of activities, including the likes of open water swimming, forest bathing, yoga classes, animal feeding, personal time and space to rest and reflect.

“It’s not therapy, it’s not group therapy. These retreats are for those wanting to learn more about their mental health and wellbeing, while forging new connections with others and hopefully, relaxing and enjoying themselves away from the job,” Hannah added.

Following the retreat, participants will be given three months of support including both individual and group support sessions, if required.

The next retreat is taking place at Wootton Park Wellness, in Warwickshire from Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 September. Tickets for the event start from £545, depending on the type of accommodation.

To find out more or book your spot on the retreat email: Hannah@bluelightwellbeing.uk