“Family Life” programme offers a range of new resources to support the loved ones of police officers

A new programme aimed at supporting police officers’ families is a welcome addition to wellbeing support, Hampshire Police Federation has said.

Three quarters of family members feel concerned about the wellbeing of a loved one in policing, according to new research from National Police Wellbeing Service Oscar Kilo.

Launched this month, its new “Family Life” programme offers a range of new resources to support the loved ones of police officers and staff in recognition of the impact policing has on families.

Zoë Wakefield, Hampshire Federation Chair, said: “This is a really positive step. You might come home really upset because you’ve been to a traumatic incident, and sometimes it’s difficult for families to understand.”

The resources will help children better make sense of the impact of the role on police officer parents, and help wider families better understand the demands placed upon them, Zoë said. Police officers have to miss special occasions, kids’ birthday parties and frequently miss out on family time due to evening shifts or coming home from work late. Zoë added: “You’re not always that contactable. If you’re in the middle of dealing with a job you can’t be answering your mobile phone to your other half to explain why you’re going to be late home. So these resources are really good and I think it will be really appreciated by families.”

To find out more, go to: https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/family-life