Today we welcomed representatives from MIND to St Andrews. Geraldine McNamara, Harriet Hu & Ana Reid visited to find out more about the work done here at the Police Treatment Centres, and in particular the work done to support officers that attend with mental health problems.
The Police Treatment Centres are working with MIND following both charities receiving funds from the LIBOR fines. The government allocated nearly £10m to help support 200,000 emergency services personnel and volunteers, funded through LIBOR fines.This funding will be focused on mental health, physical recuperation and bereavement support. It is the first time that LIBOR funding has gone to support emergency services personnel.
More so now than ever, particularly with the increase in violent crime, the life of a police officer is at best stressful and in many cases very dangerous. 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 number of these cases is increasing with at least 20% of patients requiring some support.
The PTC currently offers Patient Advisors at both centres as a confidential listening ear & support, who can also signpost them to additional support services & complementary therapies. The LIBOR funding will enable the PTC to improve the support offered in this area as well as improve facilities; including refurbishing the Summer House as a relaxation space, and a new Sensory Garden.
Mind has been awarded LIBOR funding to develop the Blue Light Programme, to provide mental health support for emergency services staff and volunteers from police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue services across England. Activities will be focused on raising awareness and tackling stigma, building resilience, training and providing information and support.
The support will be available from April 2015 and the Blue Light Programme will run until March 2016. It is being developed in consultation with individuals from across the emergency services.
For more information on the Blue Light Programme, visit http://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/bluelight/
Anyone can experience a mental health problem. Take a look at this film from Time to Change.
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