Cambridgeshire Police Federation reps are being encouraged to take part in a CPD session on wellbeing later this year.
Branch chair Liz Groom says the session will help reps to support themselves and members with their wellbeing.
She said: “We’ve been living through some turbulent times with the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis and it’s brought mental health and wellbeing into focus.
“But police officers perform a unique role and we often face difficult and emotional situations, so it’s important we’re aware of our wellbeing and take steps to look after it.
“This CPD session will look at how reps can support their own wellbeing and Federation members. I am encouraging our reps, where possible, to take part.”
The session is being organised by the national Federation’s wellbeing leads, Sue Honeywill and Belinda Goodwin.
Sue said: “The wellbeing of our officers and Federation representatives is absolutely paramount. That is why the national wellbeing leads along with the learning and development department are holding professional development events throughout 2023 for our reps.
“There have already been some deep emotions shared by our reps within these sessions, with morale and wellbeing of officers at an all-time low.
“This has really highlighted the need for us to do more to continue to support our reps, enabling them to continue to support our members.”
Belinda said: “It is a big ask for officers to undertake a Federation role up and above their day job, so we must make sure we are looking after our reps.
“As wellbeing leads, we act as a conduit between all forces and key stakeholders, so these events are a great opportunity to share the work we are currently engaging in.”
The session for Cambridgeshire Police Federation reps will be held on 29 September and concentrates on putting officers first. It will involve group exercises and debriefs to understand best practice.
Sessions have already been held in Wales, Manchester and Merseyside. They highlighted initiatives and projects including the Blue Light Wellbeing Framework, traumatic event checklist, suicide postvention tool kit, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), Operation Hampshire, and our Caring for the Carers initiative
Feedback so far has been positive and highlighted the need for the Federation, reps and members to keep talking about wellbeing.
More details about the CPD session will be circulated nearer the date.