On 4th September 2022, we will be competing in a team triathlon relay in an attempt to raise money and awareness to support the work that Police Care UK do. 

Police Care UK makes sure both serving and former police colleagues who suffer harm, and their families, have someone when things get tough. They provide practical, emotional, and financial support that is confidential, independent and accessible. 

We feel passionate about raising the profile of Police Care UK's services, and want to support their mission of reducing the impact of harm on police and their families. 

Below we have shared with you why Police Care UK matters to us. #GetPoliceTalking 

PS James Bunkin CB957 (The Swimmer)

I was blissfully unaware of the existence of Police Care until I attended an input regarding suicide prevention at HQ where Police Care were represented.  Little did I realise, at this point in time some 3 years or so ago, that I would find myself in a position of calling on them!

I will be the first to admit that I have always held the view, if you can’t cope with the incidents we attend then it may not be the job for you.  Thinking I could deal with/face absolutely anything and it would have no effect on me, I was wrong.  My mental health took a beating over the last few years leading to depression and anxiety, ultimately experiencing a prolonged period of time where I no longer wanted to be around, I needed an escape from the never ending noise in my head.  I was fortunate that I had an outstanding supervisor at the time who created an environment that enable me to open up and ultimately seek help. Ultimately supporting me and giving me the courage that it was ok to be struggling.  Firstly this help came through EAP (who I cannot recommend highly enough), but due to the structure I found myself in a position whereby their support was no longer available and I didn’t know where to turn.

This is where Police Care came in! A simple online form and within a day or two there was someone on the phone to help.  They were amazing, explaining what I needed to do in respect of obtaining continuing help.  Due to them being a charity and me being in a much safer place by this point it was appropriate for me to utilise NHS services, that said, pre-authorisation was put in place for me to simply phone and access their services if I found myself struggling or my mental health deteriorating.  This was just the safety net I needed in order to continue progressing in a positive way.  I’ve learnt to keep talking, to check in on people in a meaningful way and allow my emotions to come through rather than suppress them!

Having lived through my experience, I am passionate about removing the stigma within Policing surrounding speaking up if we aren’t ok.  It isn’t weak, it takes courage,  strength of character and it is my view that it is sadly an inevitable fact that all the Police family will at some point have a struggle.  We are dealing with Trauma on a daily basis, we would be inhumane if this didn’t take its toll.  The services available through Police Care are invaluable, not only to Officers and Staff but their families also, who invariably bear the brunt as they see us at our worst. 

PC Matt Tear CT092 (The Cyclist)
If someone asked me if I think I'm struggling I would probably turn around and say I was OK. I was involved in an incident a few years ago where a colleague and I were assaulted. Although I never sought help someone told me that it appeared I wasn't OK. I now ask myself should I have spoken to someone? 

Having seen colleagues who have and are still battling through their struggles I realise it is important to speak to others about how you're feeling no matter how minor you think it is. And if you're not the one that needs the support you should support those who do. 

We have probably all experienced a struggle at some point in our lives and it is important to know that charities like Police Care UK are there to support you and your loved ones as they can often be subject to the way you're feeling. 

I haven't used the services of Police Care UK but am really looking forward to the opportunity to raise the profile, raise some money and challenge myself at the same time. 

PC Kirsty McDermott EA785 (The Runner)
Five years ago I quit my career in the police. Five years on, I have no doubt that if I'd have been brave enough to admit that I wasn't OK that I would never have made that decision. 

Coming out of the police allowed me breathing space to reflect on what I couldn't see at the time was such an institutionalised way of working, and sadly, an environment that targets bullying towards those who are not OK. Those who are not OK simply become the latest top subject in the rumour mill. 

My time out allowed me to find ways to strengthen myself. I reached out and undertook counselling sessions. I turned mainly to fitness and now run and physically train daily. This keeps me feeling healthy and positive and is definitely my coping mechanism to keep the stresses of life to a minimum. 

I'm disappointed that I can think of countless colleagues, and their partners, that would have also valued and headed the support of Police Care UK to better their work/life balance, their happiness and their relationships. It's important to me now to raise the profile of Police Care UK's work and attempt (even on this small scale!) to remove the stigma of reaching out. 

My own experience has taught me so much. I've learnt that instead of talking about others, perhaps I should talk myself....and stop deflecting. I've learnt to stop worrying about what other people might think of me. And I've definitely learnt that life if too short to waste time questioning whether a little help is needed. The services of Police Care UK are there for a reason, and next time I'm at a crossroads I'm taking their path!