The Police Federation is staging a webinar to encourage conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

 

The webinar is for World Suicide Prevention Day and South Wales Police Federation chair Phil Walker is encouraging members to use it as a chance to look after their own mental health and check in on each other.

 

Phil said: “Police officers dedicate ourselves to the safety and protection of others, but often at the expense of our own wellbeing.

 

“Our unique job exposes us to intense pressures and traumatic circumstances.

 

 

“There is still a stigma around mental health in policing, which means officers might be reluctant to seek help for fear of being perceived as unfit for duty.

 

“Awareness days and events like PFEW’s upcoming webinar are a chance to break down those stigmas and encourage open conversations.

 

“They’re also a chance to look at our own mental health and to check in with our colleagues.

 

“Officers need to know that it’s okay to not be okay,” he added.

 

PFEW’s free webinar takes place on 10 September (10.30am to midday).

 

 

Titled Breaking the Silence: Conversations about mental health and suicide, it is part of PFEW’s #AskTwice campaign, which encourages open conversations about mental health and fosters support within policing.

 

It will include personal stories from a branch secretary and equality lead about his struggles with mental health and how he has supported Federation members.

 

A rep will share her experience and valuable insight into antenatal depression.

 

And Dr Jess Miller, principal investigator at Cambridge University’s Department of Sociology, will explore the thinking that can lead to suicidal thoughts, and provide strategies for teams to cultivate a supportive environment that addresses and counteracts these harmful patterns.

 

Register now on the PFEW website.