Families are often the people who see the impact of policing first.
Whether it is long shifts, missed family events, exposure to trauma, or the pressures that can come with the job, policing can affect not only officers and staff but also the people closest to them. Recognising that reality, the National Police Wellbeing Service has launched a new police family support resource to help families better understand policing life, mental health, how to support their loved ones and access help when they need it.
The launch coincides with International Stress Awareness Week. This year's theme, ‘Shaping the future of stress and wellbeing: Rehumanising the workplace’, highlights the importance of creating supportive environments both in the workplace and beyond it.
For many in policing, those support networks begin at home.
Research featured within Oscar Kilo's family support work shows that three-quarters of family members feel concerned about the wellbeing of a loved one who works in policing, while three in five say balancing police work and family life can be challenging.
The new resource has been developed specifically for partners, children, parents, family members and close friends of those working in the policing community. Bringing together practical advice, information and signposting, it provides guidance on topics including mental health, trauma, burnout, bereavement, resilience, self-care and supporting children through difficult conversations.
Families are often the first to notice changes in someone's behaviour or wellbeing, but many can feel unsure about how to help or where to turn for support themselves. The resource aims to address that by providing trusted, accessible information in one place.
The launch also supports one of the key messages of International Stress Awareness Week: that stress and wellbeing are not challenges that people should face alone. Early conversations, strong support networks and access to reliable information can all play an important role in helping individuals and families cope with life's pressures.
The Police Family Support resource forms part of Oscar Kilo's wider commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the policing workforce and those who support them. Alongside practical guidance on family life, it helps families recognise signs that someone may be struggling, understand the realities of policing, and find appropriate sources of help and support.
If your or someone you care about works in policing, or if you support policing families as part of your role, the new resource is available now.
Access the Police Family Support resource: