Members urged to seek support to combat stress
12 April 2023
West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke is encouraging members to seek help and support if they are suffering with stress.
April is National Stress Awareness Month and aims to raise awareness of stress, open up conversations about its impact, and how people can take steps to reduce stress and protect their mental health.
Rich said: “We’ve all felt under strain as police officers, and we’ve seen how the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis have heaped further pressure on people.
“Talking to colleagues and to friends can provide you with support through a stressful period at work or in your private life.
“And often we know our colleagues as well as anyone and we can see changes in their moods and emotions, or we can tell if they’re not coping.
“This National Stress Awareness Month we would encourage officers to look out for each other – and ultimately help colleagues find the right support if they need it.”
Police Mutual, which provides financial services and welfare support to the police service, has produced a factsheet for National Stress Awareness Month.
It includes a series of tips to help members manage their stress and worries including breathing exercises, keeping active and writing down your concerns. Other tips include trying mindfulness, talking to others and identifying your triggers.
There are also links to support services and information.
Rich said: ““And don’t forget that the Federation is always here for those members who need our help or support.”
Police Mutual also produced an information guide for World Health Day last week (7 April).
Organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), this year’s theme was Health For All.
The factsheet includes information on physical health, mental health and financial health, as well as sleep, stress awareness and nutrition.
