NEWS


The sky’s


the limit


Three charities are set to benefit from a sponsored tandem skydive which is being organised by Humberside Police Federation. The fundraiser in April 2021 will


see money raised for the branch’s three charities for the year - Police Care UK, KIDS Yorkshire (which helps disabled children and their families) and Hull-based Andy’s Man Club, which ofers mental health support for men and women and aims to prevent people taking their lives. Police National Federation Chair


John Apter, Deputy Chair Ché Donald, and Deputy Treasurer Sarah Johnson have already signed up to take part and will be joined by Humberside workplace representatives Lee Sims


and Andy Green, and Ofce Manager Jenny Dooley. Two of the Force’s Chief


Superintendents, Phill Ward and Christine Wilson, have also been quick to add their names to the list of those taking part. “Charities have been particularly


hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic with many of the planned fund-raising events cancelled this year. Hopefully, by April we will be in a position to do our bit to raise money for our chosen charities,” says Helen Collier, Secretary of Humberside Police Federation. “We will be covering all the costs


of the tandem skydives as long as everyone taking part raises at least £250 each in sponsorship.”


While Sam Hughes was receiving treatment for breast cancer, she spent hours trawling through paperwork and websites trying to decipher what help and support was available to her and what the deductions taken from her wages each month entitled her to. The West Midlands Police


Federation workplace representative recalls thinking: “I wish there was some sort of tick list which summed everything up for me.” In its summer magazine, her


Federation branch featured an article on Sam and a wellbeing initiative she is working on with HR to implement changes to how the Force helps and supports people on long-term sick leave. This includes designated


points of contact, a buddy system, improved working practices, making processes easier for ofcers who are of sick and need support, and helping them get their voices heard. She explains: “I didn’t know


where to turn to when I was diagnosed, so I wanted to be able


Breast cancer diagnosis leads Sam to help others


to ofer others support and some practical guidance to help make their journey that little bit easier. The last thing you need when you are having treatment and feeling unwell and sick is to have to trawl paperwork. “At the point of being


diagnosed, you are bombarded with leaflets, books, hospital appointments and people wanting to be there with you. I remember it being a tough time seeing my older children struggling away to make sense of it all. To say I was devastated was an understatement. “I decided to put pen to


paper and write a few tips and hopefully some helpful information to try making others’ journey a little easier. Always remember you are not alone and it’s always good to talk.” For a copy of the tips she has


collated, Sam, who is based in the Review and Allocation team as part of West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit, can be contacted at samantha.hughes@polfed.org


North Wales seeks ‘listening ears’


North Wales Police Federation is backing its Force’s efforts to appoint three multi-faith chaplains. General Secretary Mark Jones said: “Our members experience many of life’s most traumatic events while diligently serving the public. It is vital they have the best welfare support.” Policing during the pandemic had been extremely challenging


and reinforced the need for officers to have someone to talk to. “The availability of non-judgemental, multi-faith chaplains will benefit police officers enormously,” he added.


06 | POLICE | OCTOBER 2020


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36