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.’<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“We need supervisors who have received training to help to identify and properly support officers in this type of crisis.<\/p>\n
“The Federation plays its part in that through Group Insurances and access to private medical and health provision, should that be necessary.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"