A £7.5 million government investment in improving and enhancing welfare support for policing and other emergency services is being welcomed by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Research from Mind shows 600,000 policing days* were lost to stress, anxiety or depression.
The government are looking to address this by launching Oscar Kilo, part of the Blue Light Framework, an evidence based approach to provide wellbeing support and guidance, across four phases: promote, prevent, detect and support, treat and recover.
The scheme focuses on developing a culture free from stigma through consistent, compassionate and active support of wellbeing, provides access to top class provision and encourages people to improve their personal resilience.
Commissioner John Campion said “I want every officer or member of staff to feel confident that their wellbeing is taken seriously- that those in policing bravely and consistently run towards danger. Officers and staff are human and this will have an impact.
We all have a part to play in challenging stigma around mental health and I’m pleased that the government are recognising this also. This work supports positive work locally, and not only benefits the workforce but our communities, who rely on the emergency services to protect them and keep them safe.”
For more information on Oscar Kilo visit their website here.
For more information on the PCC’s Commitment to Improving Mental Wellbeing click here.
*2015 figures across all police forces.
Issued: Friday 17th May 2019
