A confidential mental health support line is available to superintendents and chief officers, providing a route to professional help and advice for any member experiencing mental health challenges.
 
This is a pilot project, which has been developed in collaboration with the Chief Police Officers' Staff Association and Oscar Kilo - the National Police Wellbeing Service.  The project is in response to survey results from both staff associations.

PSA member surveys recently showed:

·        67% of respondents experienced stress, low mood, anxiety or other mental health difficulties.

·        90% of those people said that these feelings were caused, or made worse by work

·        88% report low morale with 58% saying that morale has decreased in the last year

 

CPOSA's recent member survey showed:

·        85% have not taken all of their leave

·        94% of respondents work whilst on leave or ensured they are easily contactable

·        More than 80% work in excess of 50 hours per week, with 23% working 60-70 hours per week

 

We also know that many senior leaders are aware of the support services available in force, but choose not to use them.  This service is designed to provide an alternative route to help, which is external from forces.
 
How to access support
 

If you feel you would like to talk to someone about the challenges you’re facing, email [email protected]. A member of the ‘Just B’ team – an organisation providing emotional wellbeing support, will be in touch within 48 hours.
 
Emails can be sent at any time, but they are monitored from Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm.
 
A phone call will be arranged with a professional counsellor who will listen to your concerns as part of a one hour session.  It allows you to make contact with a qualified counsellor who will provide a safe space for you to explore and express how you  are feeling. This initial call will provide an opportunity to better understand your needs and how best to access further support if needed.

Frequently asked questions and answers can be found here. Please note this service is available to all members of CPOSA, the PSA, the Superintendents' Association of Northern Ireland (SANI) and the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS).

 
 

The PSA’s Peer Support Programme is available for all current members.
 
Association members have volunteered to become trained in skills to provide help and guidance to colleagues on a range of issues, acting as a critical friend to peers needing independent support.
 
New members who join the association will be proactively contacted with the offer of personal support around career development or wellbeing needs and where appropriate, paired with a peer who will provide this help based on their training and experience.

Current members who are experiencing issues with which they would benefit from peer support can also contact the national office to be partnered with a colleague who can provide this objective help.
 
Any member who would like to access a trained peer should email [email protected] or [email protected].

If you would like to volunteer your time to become a trained peer supporter, short half-day courses are available, supplied by Oscar Kilo.

Forthcoming dates are:

20th October 2023

The course runs from 0900-1230.  To secure a place, email [email protected] 

Third party support is available for members on a range of health and wellbeing issues.  If you are in need of wellbeing support that is not addressed here, or through the National Police Wellbeing Service, please contact us.