Confidential Mental Health Crisis Line now extended to those who have left policing
The independent and confidential Mental Health Crisis Line has now been extended to those who no longer work in policing – no matter what role they were in, when they left, or the reason why.
Available 24/7, the Crisis Line can be accessed by calling 0300 131 2789.
Developed by Oscar Kilo – The National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS), the Crisis Line was launched for staff and officers in England and Wales last year. Since then, it has received more than 440 calls, providing in the moment crisis support.
The service has now been extended to offer support to those who have left policing and are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts – this includes those who were dismissed, resigned, or retired.
The Crisis Line is being delivered in partnership with TASC, The Ambulance Staff Charity, drawing on their experience of delivering similar services for paramedics and fire fighters. The line is staffed with expert counsellors trained in suicide prevention who understand both what it’s like to work in policing and the challenges that come with leaving the service.
Service Director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, Andy Rhodes says:
“Someone may have left policing, but policing hasn’t quite left them. It’s a job that has an effect on people – sometimes even years afterwards.
“That’s why extending our Mental Health Crisis Line to people who no longer work in policing is so important. No matter the reason someone has left, if they’re experiencing a mental health crisis, they have confidential, independent, 24/7 support to turn to.
“The Crisis Line has helped so many officers and staff over the last year – and it will no doubt continue to do so. We know it’s saved lives.
“We’re proud to be able to extend the service. It’s a vital next step in the suicide prevention work that the National Police Wellbeing Service has been delivering as part of the National Suicide Action Plan for policing. It’s playing a key role in the work we’re delivering nationally, and with forces, to ensure wellbeing in policing is recognised not as a nice-to-have, but a legal obligation.”
The extension of the service to those who have left policing follows the significant new investment into police wellbeing. This will support the delivery of the wellbeing commitments set out in the Police Reform White Paper, with the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS), leading delivery of key national measures for officers and staff.
In addition to the Mental Health Crisis Line, there’s specialist bereavement counselling already on offer, designed to help those affected by the suicide of a colleague.
To find out more visit: https://oscarkilo.org.uk/crisis-line
