NEWS


LGBT GROUP TAKES PRIDE


YOUR WELLBEING IS OUR PRIORITY


P


olice officers who are struggling with mental health or the stresses of COVID-19 are


continuing to be supported by the Federation’s Welfare Support Programme (WSP). The PFEW-funded service has been provided by Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) since December and has made 247 contacts with people requiring support in this time. This is a mix of phone calls, video calls and some visits (walks outside). Nearly 80 per cent of referrals are


officers who are struggling with their mental health. PFEW Wellbeing Chair Hayley Aley said: “Police Federation branches already go above and beyond to help members in their time of need. PFEW is delighted to go even further and provide this extra and invaluable support service.” Speaking about the recent


switch to a new service provider, Hayley added: “The transition has gone smoothly and we are delighted to partner up with Defence Medical Welfare Service who have been professional from the outset and are easy to work with.” One success story is an officer


who was off work with stress due to the breakdown of his marriage and struggles with an obsessive, compulsive disorder (OCD). His child had also been poorly for an extended time. Through the WSP,


the Federation was able to provide a welfare officer to make regular contact. The officer is now feeling more positive and considering plans to get back to work. Two thirds of referrals were also


related to the pandemic, echoing the findings from our Demand, Capacity and Welfare Survey (where 77 per cent of respondents acknowledged difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing over the previous 12 months). Hayley added: “The progress so


far has been incredible – we can see a tangible difference to the lives of our colleagues who needed a helping hand in their time of need. If you are a subscribing PFEW member and would like more information, please contact your local Federation branch.”


THE WSP SERVICE PROVIDES: Practical and mental support – around general wellbeing, debt, relationships and substance misuse Clinical assessment and dedicated counselling Person-centred support (via telephone or face-to-face) DMWS’ welfare team are fully trained and accredited by the Institute of Welfare in Mental Health First Aid.


Independent and confidential support Referrals to appropriate follow-on specialist support.


DID YOU KNOW? The Chancellor’s pause on public sector pay increases means that there will be no uplift payments in September 2021, other than for members earning below £24,000, who will receive an extra £250. For more on your rights, see – www.polfed.org


IN PAST The National LGBT+ Police Network used its platform to celebrate key historical figures and events in the history of LGBT rights during February. The group is part of the Police Association of Strategic Leaders (PASL) which meets regularly with the Police Federation of England and Wales to ensure the views and needs of all officers are understood and represented. Speaking during the month’s


events, Amy Tapping, a Northumbria PC who co-chairs the LGBT+ group, said: “We’re highlighting the hidden history and showing that LGBT people have been around for centuries. So, for example, talking about computer programmer Alan Turing and highlighting the persecution gay men suffered in the Holocaust.” The police officer uplift is


an opportunity for the group to encourage more members of the LGBT+ community to consider joining policing. The ‘prefer not to say’ project aims to standardise the way in which forces monitor and measure protected characteristics, which is often inconsistent. The data should be anonymised and treated carefully to increase confidence in LGBT officers so that they can come forward with information about themselves. The group is also working with Julie Cook, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for LGBT issues, on standardising the guidance around transgender officers searching suspects. It also used its Twitter feed @LGBTpoliceuk to signpost officers to organisations offering support and advice.


Amy Tapping APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 33


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