Are you Oscar Kilo (OK) this Mental Health Awareness Week?

Today, Monday 9^th May is the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week which is an annual event organised by the Mental Health Foundation. This year, the theme for the week is loneliness with activities taking place throughout the week to raise awareness of the link between loneliness and mental health issues.

Over the last two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the importance of a connection to other people and our communities has never been more apparent. Whether it be through stories featured in the news or through situations in our own lives, it’s fair to say the impact that loneliness had on the mental health of many people throughout the pandemic was recognised more than ever before.

For police officers and police staff who worked throughout the height of the pandemic and who were isolated from their family members at times in order to protect them, feeling lonely was an emotion felt by many.

To support police forces with tackling key mental health issues such as loneliness, Oscar Kilo – the National Police Wellbeing Service was launched. Now in its third year, Oscar Kilo is trying to reduce the stigma that is often associated with seeking support or help, which should allow people to support themselves and realise their own potential.

The service provides support and guidance for police forces across England and Wales to improve and build organisational wellbeing. This vital service offers wellbeing support throughout forces, as well as improved education and understanding of the help and support that is available.

There is a whole host of useful information to be found on the website, for forces as well as individuals. Resources include various toolkits, international research as well as guidance from Oscar Kilo and other organisations.

Alan Baldwin, Founder and CEO of Practice to Progress said: “As a former police officer, I understand and have seen first hand how important taking care of your mental health is.

“In policing, you will experience many things that those outside of the police will never, we are trained to know how to react and work through these difficult incidents but that doesn’t mean we are exempt from feeling emotions regarding these incidents.

“If you are a member of police staff or a police officer who is struggling with their mental health for any reason, please do reach out and use the excellent opportunities available through Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service which you can access here www.oscarkilo.org.uk.”