As the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS), it was really important to us offer assistance to the G7 summit, so we sent three wellbeing vans to support Devon and Cornwall Police and the 6,000 officers who worked at this international event.
One of the vans was located at the briefing centre at police headquarters during the week leading up to the event. The briefing centre was the initial venue that all mutual aid officers and Devon and Cornwall officers attending the G7 had to pass through.
The other two vans were located at Falmouth Docks where the cruise ferry accommodating around 1,000 police officers was moored, and the other van was positioned at a designated welfare hub at one of the main venues.
All three vans were staffed by Devon and Cornwall wellbeing team, their occupational health staff who were supported by police chaplains. These experts were available from 1pm to 10pm each day, to offer support, give advice and answer questions on all things wellbeing. Wellbeing and trauma support dog Darcy was also on hand at Falmouth Docks to give lots of hugs and cuddles.
There was lots of positive feedback from officers and staff, who enjoyed stopping for a chat and were grateful for the advice. Many went away better informed about what was on offer to support their wellbeing during the event and beyond.
