MENTAL ILL-HEALTH, JUST LIKE COVID, WILL GET DOWNPLAYED SEASONAL MESSAGES


I have written a number of Christmas blogs over the years, all with similar themes focussing on mental health and how, for many, this is the opposite of a joyous and cheerful time of year. It may be their first Christmas alone, their first Christmas without a family member or a Christmas where they are struggling to make ends meet. I am, however, going to break away


from this trend and instead propose a different message. We have all been touched by the


impact of Covid over the last two years, whether that has been direct or indirect, it has had a lasting impact and continues to change our lives, our plans and our future. Many have been infected with Covid,


some more than once and some left with the long lasting effects of the virus, which continues to blight their lives. One thing we can definitely say for


certain is that we are all aware of it, aware that it is harmful, at its worst taking lives. But we are also all doing our bit too combat it by using masks and hand sanitisers, undertaking testing and getting vaccinated.


Federation Vice-Chair Ché Donald sends a message to members It’s quite amazing how the world


came together to develop the vaccine in such a short period of time, how during lockdowns, the majority recognising the risks involved, abided by the rules - when they were clear. But it’s equally amazing how significant


proportions of people are becoming more and more blasé about Covid, ignoring it, and ignoring the restrictions, rules and guidelines. We are being told that Covid is here to stay and, in time, getting a Covid jab every year will just be like getting a flu jab; something that not that many people actually do. The point is, in time, Covid will be downplayed, become less important or impactive and we will not attribute the disruptive and harmful effect it has on all of us now. Ironically, mental health illnesses


can be viewed through a similar lens, approximately one in four people will experience mental ill-health in their lifetime, some will experience it more significantly than others, many will die from it and we all know someone close to us who has struggled with it.


Yet, while mental health is often spoken about, knowing full well the impact it has, it remains less significant than our reaction to Covid in many ways. The fact is, mental health is a massive


problem in policing, we always need to recognise this, prioritise it and never downplay it.


Just because people aren’t sneezing


or coughing, doesn’t mean people are not struggling with it.


Ché Donald.


A message from the Home Secretary Priti Patel


The spirit of giving is seen nowhere more at Christmas than in the selflessness of our armed forces and emergency services. As others prepare to ring in the


festivities with family and friends, you – our dedicated police officers, staff and volunteers – will continue your tireless work keeping us safe. Crime doesn’t stop at Christmas, but


your commitment helps the rest of us to celebrate safely. I want to personally thank each of


you for everything you have done over a challenging 12 months. Policing played a critical role during the pandemic and I pay tribute to your unflinching professionalism and courage. But I also want to reiterate my


determination to listen and act on the things that matter to you. I know that you need more feet on the


ground to ease pressures on stretched forces. This Government has responded, and I am delighted that we have now recruited more than 11,000 extra officers across England and Wales. We are well on our way to our 20,000 target. And our


forces are now more representative of our communities than at any other time in our country’s history, with 7.9 per cent of officers coming from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. But we collectively need to do more,


as a nation, to honour your service and sacrifice. You go into harm’s way on our behalf and we must do better at protecting you like you protect us. That’s why the Police, Crime,


Sentencing and Courts Bill includes a Police Covenant to recognise the bravery and commitment of current and former members of the police workforce, and ensure you and your families get the support and protection you need. It will focus on physical protection,


health and wellbeing, and support for families. The Home Secretary will be bound, by law, to report on its progress annually to Parliament. But the Bill doesn’t stop there. We


know appalling assaults on police and emergency workers are on the rise. That is why we are doubling the maximum sentence for these crimes. And for those workers who pay the


ultimate price, Harper’s Law – announced last month – means anyone who kills an emergency service worker while committing a crime will be stripped of the freedom to walk our streets with a life sentence. I have worked closely with PC Andrew Harper’s widow, Lissie, and have been inspired by her extraordinary courage to bring this law into reality in her late husband’s name. I want you to know that you have the full support of the Government in carrying out your duties, which is why I will also give greater protection to police drivers through a new legal test that will ensure you needn’t fear prosecution for simply doing your job. Finally, our forces wouldn’t be what


they are without the quiet determination of our volunteers. We recognise that they too deserve our support, which is why we will protect Special Constables through the Police Covenant and will, for the first time, allow them to join the Police Federation. Thank you for all you do and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.


11 I POLICE I DECEMBER 2021


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