Dyfed Powys Police Federation wellbeing lead Dai Gaskins has welcomed the development of the Federation’s pioneering Welfare Support Programme which offers a wide range of services including clinical assessment and counselling to members.

The programme, now provided by the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), is funded by the Police Federation of England and Wales and will be available to all subscribing members.

It also offers person-centred support, access to fully trained and accredited professionals, independent and confidential support and referrals-appropriate follow-on specialist support.

Dai said: “We welcome any initiative that offers our members support in relation to their welfare. The health and wellbeing of our members has always been our priority.

“The support available through the new DMWS programme sits alongside the services we already provide our members and is a great addition to those.”

PFEW chair John Apter joined policing minister Kit Malthouse on a visit to the DMWS head office in Hampshire to find out more about the new WSP.

John said: “We’re delighted to be working with Defence Medical Welfare Service to deliver our Welfare Support Programme. Our local Federation branches already go above and beyond to help members in their time of need, but thanks to DMWS we can go one step further and provide this extra and invaluable support service to all.

“We are very pleased with the progress so far and we know it is already making a tangible difference to the lives of our colleagues who, when in a dark place, often don’t feel comfortable reaching out to their force, but look to the Federation for support.”

Mr Malthouse said: “Our police officers go above and beyond every single day – risking their safety to protect the public and keep us all safe – so it’s vital we give them the health and wellbeing support they need.

“The work of the Defence Medical Welfare Service complements our efforts and gives police officers a place to go in their time of need – I’m extremely grateful for their efforts and was delighted to visit and see their excellent work in action.”

To find out more about the new WSP, or to get support, please contact DMWS at police@mws.uk.com or on 01264 586 942.