South Wales Police Federation chair Phil Walker has echoed the message of World Mental Health Day 2024 that it is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.

 

Since 1992, World Mental Health Day has been held annually on 10 October and is one of the leading international movements towards better education and understanding of mental illness.

 

Global founders of the World Federation of Mental Health are responsible for choosing a yearly theme for the awareness initiative and have elected to centre this year's edition around the workplace.

 

Phil said: “I think the significance of this year’s World Mental Health Day theme reminds us all that it never stops being important to look after your wellbeing while at work.

 

“Being a police officer is always going to be a fast-paced, demanding job, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take the time to stop and assess whether we are truly okay.

 

 

“Policing can be a pretty unforgiving world at times. Physically dangerous situations, emotionally distressing incidents, volatile public perceptions, internal and external pressure – we have to deal with all of that, so it’s only right that there is an awareness on how it can impact us.

 

“Every Federation member deserves to be supported with their mental health. They are owed that and they owe it to themselves.”

 

Findings from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW)’s most recent Pay and Morale Survey 2023, revealed that South Wales Police rates were virtually on par with national averages for job stress and wellbeing difficulties.

44 per cent of South Wales respondents to the survey said they found their job ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressful, compared to 43 per cent nationally, and 83 per cent of respondents reported feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood, with a national figure standing at 82 per cent.

 

Phil continued: “Our individual morale figures may have stacked up slightly more favourably against national averages, but we cannot rely on officers to keep their spirits up through sheer commitment to the job.

 

“The fact the figures level out more for these more specific mental health-related factors shows it is vital our officers have access to proper help.

 

“And I would always urge Federation members to talk to each other – your friendly face or listening ear could set a colleague on the road to a better place in their mind.”

 

Phil rounded off by reminding members of ways to seek support, including by contacting their local Fed rep or speaking to their line manager.

 

South Wales Police officers can also reach help through the likes of the PFEW’s #AskTwice campaign, Police Care UK, and Oscar Kilo.

 

Another useful police mental health charity is Thin Blue Line UK, which is hosting the opportunity of a wellbeing boost through their annual fundraising ball in Cardiff on Saturday 19 October. More information on this is available on the Federation website.