Police trial innovative ‘Wellbeing Van’ to support officers & staff across the Force

Outreach Wellbeing Vans have been travelling to police stations across Merseyside over the past two weeks offering services and support to all those working within the Force.

The vans, which are kitted out with a bespoke 'Wellbeing' area to conduct physical and mental health checks, are part of an ongoing review being conducted by our Wellbeing Team, who are looking into the current health services available to officers and staff.

The service, which is funded by the Home Office through the Police Transformation Fund and overseen by the College of Policing, brings wellbeing direct to those on the front line and is operating seven days a week, during and outside normal office hours, to ensure all staff are provided with an opportunity to visit the van and chat to the team.

Health and Wellbeing Manager Helen Coates said: “Our officers and staff, like all other emergency services, spend so much time looking out for the community and caring for vulnerable people that they can often allow their own wellbeing to take a back seat.

“But we recognise how important it is that officers and staff are supported too, and have appropriate access to wellbeing services in order to improve their mental and physical health, as well as providing financial and other valuable support.

“Officers and staff are under pressure all the time, not only from serious and high profile incidents, but from the changing demands of day to day policing. It has therefore never been a better, or more important time for us to review and refresh our approach to wellbeing to ensure our workforce are happy and healthy.

“This will in turn allow us to provide the people of Merseyside with the best service possible.”

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE VAN PROVIDE?

The van will provide direct access to a number of services including:
• Health checks
• Advice about physical and psychological wellbeing
• Financial advice and information from Police Mutual
• Carers information
• Advice and support directly from colleagues representing our Staff Associations and Support Networks
• Signposts to other helpful guidance and advice
• A brew and a chance for a chat