Here To Help With Financial Struggles

ANY officer who is in financial difficulty should contact the Federation for support, especially in the lead-up to Christmas, Hampshire Police Federation has said.

The latest Pay and Morale Survey found that 32% of respondents from Hampshire reported worrying about the state of their personal finances every day or almost every day. Meanwhile, 6% of respondents reported never or almost never having enough money to cover all their essentials.

Hampshire Police Federation Chair Zoë Wakefield said police finances were a really important issue. She explained: “It’s definitely an area we need to focus on and this was highlighted in the recent Pay and Morale Survey. I think finances are something that worry people more than other stuff.

“If anyone is having financial difficulty, they should contact the local Federation office or their local Rep for advice. There is a lot of support available, both through the Federation and through the force welfare fund.

“People really shouldn’t worry and struggle, particularly at Christmas, because they should be able to enjoy Christmas with their families. So if they are worried about it then please contact us and let us put you in contact with the right people who can help.”

COVID-19 has led to additional problems this year, according to Belinda Goodwin, Secretary of PFEW’s Wellbeing Sub-Committee.

She said: “Fed members have worked tirelessly through this pandemic and faced a challenge unlike anything policing has experienced before.

“At the same time, many officers face financial difficulties as partners lose jobs or take a cut in wages due to the economic havoc wrought by COVID-19. With Christmas fast approaching, and the focus on buying presents for friends and family, debt is an inevitable consequence of the festive season for many.”

She urged anyone who was struggling to talk to their local Fed Rep and “we will make sure you get the help you need – not just during the Christmas period, but all year round”.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is focusing on the issues of debt and financial wellbeing this month, and it has joined with PayPlan to record a video for officers about managing their money and the help and support that’s available. Officers can watch the video here.