Ward Sergeant Update - It’s OK not to be OK!!

Health Warning: This newsletter contains discussion on suicide.  Please take care while reading and consider your own wellbeing.  If you are affected by any of the issues raised, support is available - see below.

Here’s what your Safer Neighbourhood Team has been up to this week

IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK!!

You never know what someone is going through.  Be kind, check in on each other and remember - it's okay not to be okay.

YOU ARE ENOUGH!!

September marks World Suicide Prevention Month.  This provides an important opportunity to raise awareness, encourage open conversations about mental health and remind people that support is available.

Tragically, each year, more than 7,000 people die by suicide in the UK, which is equivalent to around 20 lives lost every day, with around three-quarters of suicides being male and a quarter female.         

With regards to suicide within the police, while exact figures vary year to year, available data suggests that around 20 serving police officers and PCSOs in England and Wales die by suicide annually.  It is also worth noting that police officers experience higher levels of exposure to trauma, stress and mental health challenges than many other professions.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO FACE IT ALONE!!

If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling, please know that help is available and you do not have to face things on your own.  Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, a stranger, a colleague or a professional can be the first step towards getting support.

If you are struggling and need help, support is available…

The strongest people are not those who never struggle, but those who find the courage to ask for help when they do.

I know this may have been a difficult read and I appreciate you taking the time to read it.  However, if it encourages just one person to open up, ask for help, check in on a loved one, or saves a life, then it has been more than worth it.

As we head into the weekend, I hope you take every opportunity to enjoy life, laugh with friends, spend time with family and create many happy memories.  

Life can be challenging at times, but it is also incredibly precious.  Be kind to yourself, look out for one another and remember; IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK!!

Warmest of regards

Mark