Essex Police wellbeing in a ‘healthy place’

ESSEX Police is in a healthy place when it comes to stress and wellbeing with the force in a ‘far more mature place about this now than it was even just a handful of years ago.’

However, health and wellness provision must not become part of austerity cuts in order to keep supporting officers, according to Essex Federation Chairman Steve Taylor.

“It’s always difficult speaking generally about the subject when there are those acutely suffering with health and wellbeing issues, but Essex I think is, by and large, in a healthy place, especially talking to colleagues from other forces.”

Essex and Kent officers benefit from a collaborative ‘Live Well, Feel Well’ programme which is an important weapon in the fight against stress and mental health issues among officers.

The College of Policing also recognises that increasingly emotionally demanding situations are taking a toll on wellbeing and that officers should feel comfortable enough to say they are not okay.

“Mental health is really not a dirty word,” says Steve. “The force is far more mature about this now than it was even just a handful of years ago and we do need to be supporting our colleagues’ mental health issues.

“We need supervisors who have received training to help to identify and properly support officers in this type of crisis.

“The Federation plays its part in that through Group Insurances and access to private medical and health provision, should that be necessary.

“Health provision doesn’t come cheap, to carry on catching those officers who stumble we must ensure it doesn’t become a victim of more austerity cuts.”