For the Defence Police Federation, World Suicide Prevention Day is about focusing on the wellbeing of our members and highlighting the support and resources available to them and those supporting them.
Suicide can touch our lives in many different ways, personally, through someone we know or through experiences at work. Within policing, there is also growing recognition of the impact that repeated exposure to suicide and trauma can have over time, something the STEP (Suicide Trauma Education Prevention) campaign is helping to bring greater attention to.
Our role includes helping members access support when they need it. We also know how important the people around us can be in recognising when someone may be struggling. And sometimes, it may be you who needs that support.
Recognising that somebody may need help, starting a conversation and knowing where support can be found can make a real difference.
Learning how to have the conversation
The Zero Suicide Alliance offers free online suicide awareness training, designed to help people recognise when someone may be struggling, feel more confident talking about suicide and know how to signpost them towards further support.
We particularly encourage DPF representatives to consider completing the training, but it is available to everyone including members, colleagues, managers, friends and family.
Sometimes, simply knowing how to ask the question and listen can be an important first step.
DPF supporting the STEP campaign
DPF is also supporting the STEP (Suicide Trauma Education Prevention) campaign, founded by Hampshire Police Federation Chair Spencer Wragg.
STEP seeks to improve suicide prevention and support across policing, including greater recognition of the impact that attending suicides can have on officers and staff. Its objectives include improving trauma support following attendance at a suicide, increasing access to mental health resources, improving the recording of police suicides and attempted suicides, and encouraging colleagues to talk more openly about suicide.
Stay Alive – support in your pocket
One practical resource promoted through STEP is the Stay Alive app, developed by Grassroots Suicide Prevention.
The free and confidential app provides information and tools for people experiencing suicidal thoughts and those worried about someone else, including warning signs, guidance on what to say, safety planning and crisis helplines.
STEP is campaigning for Forces to make the app readily available on work mobile devices.
Somewhere to talk
For members who may find it difficult to talk about how they are feeling, ANDYSMANCLUB is another resource worth knowing about.
The men’s suicide prevention charity provides free peer-to-peer support groups, offering a space for men to talk without judgement or pressure.
Men continue to be disproportionately affected by suicide, making accessible opportunities for men to talk and seek support an important part of suicide prevention.
If you need support now
If you are struggling or experiencing suicidal thoughts, support is available.
Oscar Kilo Mental Health Crisis Line – 0300 131 2789
Confidential and independent crisis support specifically for people working in policing, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999 or attend A&E.
Hub of Hope
A comprehensive directory of local and national mental health support services across the UK.
Looking out for one another
World Suicide Prevention Day is one day, but looking out for one another matters throughout the year.
There may be times when someone needs us to notice, listen or help them find the right support. Equally, any one of us may find ourselves needing that support.
As a Federation, we will continue to raise awareness of the support available to our members and support initiatives across policing that encourage better conversations around mental health, trauma and suicide prevention.
Whether you are concerned about someone else or need support yourself, knowing where to turn can be an important first step.
