Cambridgeshire Police Federation is encouraging members to “do one thing” to look after their mental wellbeing and mark World Mental Health Day on Sunday (10 October).
Federation chair Liz Groom said: “Police officers are often so busy with the demands of the job that it’s hard for them to find the time to look after their mental health. However, doing just one thing to help can make a huge difference and often pave the way for a whole new attitude or perspective.
“They could take five minutes to check in on a colleague, learn more about taking care of their own mental health, or find out more about the provision offered by the Federation and organisations such as Mind’s Blue Light Programme.”
The call is inspired by Mind’s “Do One Thing” campaign, which is also encouraging blue light services to “do one thing” to promote better mental health.
Later this autumn, Mind’s Blue Light organisation will run a campaign aimed at challenging the stigma that often prevents emergency services workers from talking about their mental health.
According to the Police Federation of England and Wales’ July 2021 Pay and Morale Survey, 69 per cent of respondents reported they have experienced difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing over the past 12 months, either caused or exacerbated by work.
However, just 22 per cent of them had subsequently sought help.