Page 28 - WMPF Federation Oct-Nov 2021-flip_Neat

Critical care

Officer praises

counselling support

from Federation

initiative

n officer who has someone external, not everyone talking to them,” she added.
received support from has somebody they feel they can Having experienced the service, she says
Athe Welfare Support talk to – or want to talk to. that programmes like these are “essential”
Programme (WSP), an initiative “I self-sabotage a lot, but the for officers.
introduced by the Federation, counselling sessions are helping “Having the counselling has definitely
has praised the service for me to understand why I do this supported me when it comes to me
playing a crucial part in and how I can prevent it going returning to work,” she added.
preparing her to return to forward. The WSP is a nationwide programme,
work having been signed off sick. “And the process was so fast, I contacted which supports Federation members
The West Midlands Police officer, who another organisation, external to the police throughout England and Wales. The service
wishes to remain anonymous, has received and they had a lead time of 16 weeks, so is provided by Defence Medical Welfare
regular counselling, provided by the WSP, getting seen so quickly was brilliant.” Service and is available to all subscribing
due to her mental health and wellbeing. She says that one of the many benefits Federation members.
Having contacted the Federation, she that she felt receiving counselling through The programme includes practical and
was offered the counselling sessions and the WSP had, is that they were familiar with mental support, counselling, person-centred
says they have really helped her get back on how the police service works. support, access to fully trained and
track. “I think it makes such a difference that accredited professionals, confidential
“The sessions offer a non-judgemental the counsellor I have understands the police support and referrals to follow-up specialist
you
environment, where I can open up and be and its processes, including all the rankings. support if necessary.
honest,” she says, “It’s great to talk to It makes things a lot easier when you’re Find out more.

Thank Thank

Thanks to George YOU “Please make sure not only George understands my
A member supported by our conduct and performance lead gratitude, but the Federation realises it has a real asset. All the
George McDonnell has sent in a message of thanks to the best.” Name withheld
Federation office.
The member wrote: “George was my Federation And thanks to Rod
representative throughout and was an absolute Godsend. Message sent to workplace Federation representative Rod Rose
“He was there to help, support and guide me from the after he helped an officer on long-term sick.
start, right up to the misconduct meeting. His experience and I am emailing you to personally thank you for your help and
knowledge, I believe, helped stop it being a final written support with my current situation. I spoke at length with my
warning. sergeant yesterday and I feel so happy and relieved I can return
“The Federation comes under fire from officers and alike, to work and continue on my journey to learn and progress.
but when you need them, and you’ve got someone like George I really appreciate everything you did on my behalf.
in your corner, you realise how invaluable you are. Name withheld

28 federation October/November 2021 www.polfed.org/westmids