Dyfed Powys Police Federation secretary Roger Webb is encouraging members to look out for each other’s mental health.

Roger said that police officers are ideally placed to spot if their colleagues need support with their emotional and mental wellbeing.

And he said the Federation is also there to support members and can signpost them to extra help - including the Welfare Support Programme - if they need it.

Roger said: “There’s no other job like policing. It’s hugely rewarding but we can be put in extremely difficult situations and experience traumatic events, which is why it’s important that we take steps to look after our mental health.

“Often our colleagues are best placed to spot if we need support, which is why our Hear ‘Man Up’, Think ‘Man Down’ campaign encourages officers to look out for each other.

“And if members are struggling with their emotional and mental health, it’s okay to reach out for help.

“The Federation is here for you and can help you get the support you need.”

The Federation’s Welfare Support Programme has since December 2020 been run by Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), an independent charity providing medical welfare to the armed forces, veterans, NHS staff and emergency services.

It offers a wide range of confidential and independent services from clinical assessments to counselling with fully trained and accredited professionals.

More than 500 members have received timely and ongoing mental health support through DMWS, and the Federation has announced it is continuing to work with the charity for another 12 months from December this year.

The Welfare Support Programme provides:

• Practical and mental support
• Clinical assessments and dedicated counselling
• Person-centred support (via telephone or face-to-face)
• Access to fully trained and accredited professionals
• Independent and confidential support
• Referrals to appropriate follow-on specialist support

The Federation has received testimonials from members who have been supported by DMWS.

“That kind of support is priceless, and I count myself as being very lucky to have been provided with such help and support from such an amazing charity,” said one member, adding: “I want it to be known what a difference it has made to me – especially when I have felt unsupported by others.”

Find out more by contacting the Dyfed Powys Police Federation branch officials or workplace representatives.