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Merseyside Police signs up
to mental health campaign
MERSEYSIDE Police Chief Constable Andy
Cooke and Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy on Wednesday, 7 September
2016, pledged to challenge mental health stigma and promote wellbeing in the
workplace. During an event at Merseyside Police headquarters, attended by mental
health charities and Merseyside Police staff, both signed the Blue Light Time To
Change Pledge, to join the Blue Light Mental Health and Wellbeing Network. In
May 1016, Merseyside Police 1st signed up to the network, which was the 1st of
its kind in the UK, to develop access to mental health information and support
for all employees of emergency services in Merseyside. The Pledge, introduced
and delivered by the mental health charity Mind, is a growing movement of over
400 employers across different sectors in England who are all working to tackle
mental health stigma and promote positive wellbeing within their workplaces. The
event was timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, on Saturday, 10
September 2016, the theme of which is 'Connect, communicate, care'
and aims to foster connections with those who have lost a loved 1 to suicide or
have been suicidal themselves, to further suicide prevention efforts.
Representatives from the charities State of Mind Sport and Wirral Mind spoke at
the event, which was also attended by staff members who will be trained as Peer
Supporters within the organisation. Former Rugby League players Paul Highton and
Jimmy Gittins are trustees for State of Mind Sport and shared their stories to
the audience.
Chief Constable Andy Cooke said:- "Merseyside Police is delighted to be
able to make this pledge, which is a great opportunity to share learning and
develop wellbeing across the force to support our Officers and staff. We do a
fantastic job protecting the public day in and day out, but it is a difficult
job, physically, emotionally and mentally. It is essential that we able to talk
about and recognise the signs of mental health symptoms, both in ourselves and
in others. Merseyside Police is fully committed to helping our Officers and
staff wherever we can by supporting them in this important area."
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy said:- "I was
pleased to join the Chief to make this important pledge today. 'Are you ok?' is
a small question to ask one colleague to another in the emergency services and
it may make all the difference to someone on the edge of mental ill health. Our
Officers, PCSOs and staff do a tough job, often in tougher circumstances and we
need to give them the support and care they need, when they need it. We all have
a part to play in ending the stigma around mental ill health. From the top down,
we have a duty to care and to support. By signing this pledge, we will
demonstrate our commitment to breaking down barriers and ending discrimination."
Rachel Gilbert from Wirral Mind said:- "Wirral Mind are delighted to be
working with Merseyside Police. This is a pioneering initiative and really
productive development in terms of tackling the stigma around mental health and
giving our Blue Light personnel the support that they both very much need and
deserve." |
