MENTAL HEALTH
ASK TWICE FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
PFEW’s positive mental health campaign aims to address the silent battles officers face by creating a culture of empathy and understanding
In the hustle and bustle of daily working life, it’s all too easy to overlook the emotional wellbeing of those around us, especially in high-pressure professions like policing. In May, as we
mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) will introduce its positive mental wellbeing campaign – Ask Twice, aimed at fostering a culture of genuine concern and support within the policing community.
connection by prompting a second inquiry into someone’s wellbeing. In the stressful world of policing, this campaign advocates for the power of a few extra seconds to genuinely check in on colleagues. It’s a
“For the first time in policing, PFEW will bring together under one page links and signposts
to a comprehensive list of support sources for wellbeing and mental health.”
reminder that a simple question can open the door to vital conversations.
THE SILENT STRUGGLE: BEYOND THE UNIFORM Behind the uniform, our policing colleagues carry more than just the weight of their duties. Trauma, depression, financial worries, work-related stress, even addiction, are just some of the silent battles that many face, often unseen and unheard. The “Ask Twice” campaign is not just about acknowledging the challenges; it’s about creating an environment where officers feel empowered to share their struggles without fear of judgment.
WHY “ASK TWICE”? The phrase “Ask Twice” carries a sincere meaning. It goes beyond the customary greeting, encouraging a deeper
BREAKING THE STIGMA ENCOURAGING OPEN DIALOGUE Mental health has long been stigmatised, with individuals often hesitant to disclose their struggles due to fear of judgment or repercussions. By creating a culture of empathy and understanding through “Ask Twice,” we hope to break down these barriers. When colleagues take the time to ask and, more importantly, listen, it sends a powerful message that mental health and wellbeing matters and seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
CREATING A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY “Ask Twice” is more than a campaign; it’s a call to action to build a community that prioritises the mental wellbeing of
its members. Through engaging content, resources, and testimonials, we aim to provide officers with the tools they need to support one another. From stress management tips to information on available mental health services, our goal is to empower our policing family to navigate challenges together. Stress management tips, guides on how to have difficult
conversations or support a colleague, financial counselling services, physical rehabilitation programmes and guides to general wellbeing, are often difficult to find quickly from a reliable source. For the first time in policing, we will
bring together under one page links and signposts to all of these, from internal providers within policing to reliable and comprehensive support available from providers outside of policing. If you are struggling, or know or suspect a colleague may need help, you can find the advice and help needed with one click.
SPREADING THE MESSAGE: YOUR ROLE IN THE CAMPAIGN As we gear up to launch the “Ask Twice” campaign, we invite each member of the policing community to share our message, engage in conversations, and most importantly, make it a habit to “Ask Twice”.
17 | POLICE | APRIL | 2024
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