Although many patients visiting the Treatment Centre come for physiotherapy, there are a number of patients who need support with stress, anxiety and other such conditions.
The nurses take a holistic approach to the treatment offered and every officer is treated
as an individual with a package tailored to their particular needs.
The Charity's nurses promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and encourage patients to take a more proactive approach in managing their health and wellbeing.
The nursing team can provide support and assistance with many issues including the following:
- Physical Health Checks
- Work / Life Balance Guidance
- Healthy Eating Practice
- Weight Management
- Anxiety Management
- Depression Management
- Alcohol Awareness
- Smoking Cessation
- Sleep Management
- Relaxation Techniques
For some patients, complementary therapy may be of significant benefit and will be offered depending on the individuals circumstances.
Each of our Treatment Centres offers access to a Patient Advisor, who provides a confidential listening ear and acts as a signpost helping officers identify additional support services in their force or locality. Our Patient Advisors are currently funded by a grant from Police Mutual Foundation.
Police occupational health contacts advise us that certain roles within the force are deemed to be of a higher psychological risk i.e. Family Liaison Officers and Officers working in more Specialist Crime areas and as such are more psychologically demanding and challenging. It is also recognised that long term exposure working in such ‘Specialist Roles’ can build tolerance and risk altering an individual’s perception of normal behaviour.
The benefits of attending the treatment centre for such officers provides the necessary ‘respite’ needed in an informal setting, reducing pressures of workload to enable them to recharge for psychological wellbeing.
Recent feedback:
"I hadn’t recognised just how stressed and anxious I had become over the six months on restricted duties. I felt the staff at the PTC in particular Helen (the nurse) recognised this and I was given a chance to speak with Terry and Carmel plus complementary therapy. I feel this more than anything has helped me with confidence; reduced anxiety and being positive that I can get back to work on full duties. I believe this holistic approach has been extremely beneficial and complimented the excellent physio I received from Liz. I had considered resigning in the future but I now feel I can move on my physical and emotional issues to benefit myself and my Police Force. This stay has helped me in more ways than I can say. I thought I would never be fit but now I feel confident I am on the right track to full fitness and duty."
"I came for stress/depression issues. The counselling has been excellent and has enabled me to get a good understanding of my current situation and how I can build towards the end of my career and the future beyond that."
"I came here for help with depression and insomnia which has caused me to be off work for 4 months. If felt amazing to be in such a supportive and positive place which has given me the confidence to return to work."
"The patient advisor made me feel like a normal person for the first time in years. I will never forget what he has done for me. I met others here who have been through similar experiences and being able to talk about it and help each other is invaluable. I think the support we have given each other has changed my life for the better. The work you do here for those suffering mental illness is amazing. The talking therapy that I've done with others has been a life-saver."