Former Cambridgeshire Police officers who have left the service can now access a police-specific 24/7 mental health helpline.
The Oscar Kilo Mental Health Crisis Line has been extended to anyone who has previously worked in policing, regardless of their role, when they left or the reason they left. This includes officers who were dismissed, resigned, or retired.
And serving Cambridgeshire Police Federation are being reminded the confidential service, which was launched in July last year, is also there for them.
Access the service by calling 0300 131 2789.
The helpline has received more than 440 calls since it was launched, providing immediate support to people experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.
The service is delivered by Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, in partnership with TASC, The Ambulance Staff Charity.
The line is staffed with expert counsellors trained in suicide prevention who understand what it’s like to work in policing and the challenges that come with leaving the service.
Oscar Kilo Service Director Andy Rhodes said: “Someone may have left policing, but policing hasn’t quite left them. It’s a job that has an effect on people – sometimes even years afterwards.
“That’s why extending our Mental Health Crisis Line to people who no longer work in policing is so important.
“No matter the reason someone has left, if they’re experiencing a mental health crisis, they have confidential, independent, 24/7 support to turn to.”
More information is available from Oscar Kilo’s Mental Health Crisis Line page.