Matthew Contreras, an Officer with the West Yorkshire Police Force for over 17 years recently required the class leading treatment on offer at the Police Treatment Centres. Here he puts into words his own experiences surrounding his stay. Experiences that are shared by so many Officers up and down our Constituent Forces throughout the UK.
“Anyone can become injured, physically or mentally. Having personally experienced both the Physiotherapy and the Wellbeing programmes at the Police Treatment Centre, I cannot imagine why any officer would opt out from paying into such a fantastic organisation. Having the peace of mind, that should the worst happen, the Police Treatment Centres will be on hand to offer the support and care to assist you through a tough time is invaluable.
I personally reached a time when I needed shoulder surgery and in that instance, I was luckier than most in that I had private health insurance in place. However, even with this in place, you are only offered the standard one hour a week physiotherapy provision in the weeks that follow. Having the ability to attend the Police Treatment Centres for two weeks comprehensive, daily, hands on, intensive Physiotherapy was a blessing and vital to enable as comprehensive and swift a recovery as possible.
One can also not possibly know when or where you may need the support on offer. When I was unexpectedly affected by PTSD it was a real blow, having the ability to escape for two weeks and receive top level support and assistance in managing my mental well-being was such a relief to me, allowing the space to breath and recover effectively.
As for the facilities on offer, the food is excellent, the accommodation is like a hotel, the staff are fantastic and both Harrogate and Auchterader are well placed for local walks and activities.
Becoming ill CAN happen to you and Police Forces encourage you to attend the PTC in duty time. I highly recommend every officer invests in their future wellbeing by subscribing to the charity.”
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