Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom has reminded members to always look out for each other on World Mental Health Day 2024 (10 October).
The awareness programme has been held annually on today’s date since 1992, prompting supporters to come together and bring attention on mental illness and its impact on people’s lives.
It was established at an initiative of the World Federation of Mental Health, which has set this year’s theme as mental health in the workplace.
Liz said: “The conversation on mental health should always be open, and World Mental Health Day is one of the most recognisable movements in getting this message across.
“I want Federation members to be mindful of how they are feeling in all walks of life, but I think the 2024 theme feels particularly prevalent for us as a staff association.
“As police officers, we encounter all sorts of distressing and upsetting situations and we are often dealing with people at their lowest points. But it’s not just about trauma and witnessing things – the amount of pressure and scrutiny already on us before we go out to a job is hard sometimes, especially if it comes from a place of negativity.
“That’s why, while we’re all in the unique world of policing, it’s important to lean on each other for support.”
Liz went on to reiterate comments she made earlier this year on Cambridgeshire-related findings from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW)’s Pay and Morale Survey 2023.
The survey showed that 148 of the county’s officers were signed off from work with poor mental health in 2023-24 financial year.
This was a 12 per cent fall on the previous year, travelling in the opposite direction to the national average, which rose by nine per cent.
While Liz believed this was reason for some encouragement, she also highlighted the total of 81 per cent of Cambridgeshire respondents who had reported wellbeing difficulties in the past 12 months, including stress, low mood and anxiety in the job.
“This figure indicated that although people signed off from the Force are undoubtedly struggling, so are many officers still within – the difference being they may not have spoken up,” she added.
“The PFEW’s #AskTwice campaign, with many valuable resources available to Fed members, is advocating for the sort of action we should all be carrying out at work.
“I encourage members to go that bit further in checking up on a colleague, as that could make all the difference in them finally feeling able to seek help.
“We need to take care of ourselves and take care of each other.”
Federation members who feel they need support should contact their local Fed rep or speak to their line manager.