Mental Health Boost For Emergency Services

A pilot scheme to support emergency service workers who experience depression and mental health problems will be announced by the Government later.

The £4m Blue Light Programme will see the Government, mental health charities and emergency service stakeholders collaborating to encourage police officers, ambulance staff, firefighters and search and rescue workers to speak out if they are depressed or unwell.

Research by mental health charity Mind shows that of 3,500 blue light workers surveyed, 55% have suffered from mental health problems during their career compared with 26% in the general workforce.

They're also less likely to report issues, with just 43% saying they’ve taken time off as a result compared with 57% of the general workforce.

The scheme is also expected to benefit an estimated quarter of a million emergency service volunteers such as special constables.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "Emergency service workers save lives every day, helping people in trouble or in need, but we need to support them as they deal with the incredibly stressful and sometimes harrowing situations they face in the line of duty.

"That's why, at the end of last year, we asked Mind to work with our emergency services personnel to develop and trial a new package of frontline mental health support. So I'm delighted that this programme is now under way."

Oxfordshire firefighter Ellie Hathaway said she only admitted her depression to bosses after she experienced a breakdown at work which led to her hiding and crying in a cupboard.

She said: "Part of me was concerned that my colleagues would think, 'If she can't cope with something mentally, she shouldn't be here'.

"Part of me was concerned about how I'd be dealt with. And part of me was confused. How do you explain why you're so upset, when you don't know yourself?"

Speaking on condition of anonymity, some emergency service workers told Sky News they’re buckling under the pressure of public sector cuts.

One police officer said: "We have fewer officers investigating the same volume of crime. People are retiring and just not being replaced - others are being redeployed and we're just not coping."

A freedom of information request by the Labour party last year showed how in the 33 forces who responded, anxiety among officers and support staff has increased by 65%.

The request showed that in 2009/10, 13,772 duty days were lost to "anxiety" - in 2013/14, that number increased to 22,545.

Mental health charities say the scheme will help emergency service workers to know they have "permission to speak out" without the fear of being stigmatised.

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind said: "We have been really encouraged by the response from everyone we have spoken to. There is a clear consensus that this is an issue that needs tackling and it's clear that the will is there to address it."

Emergency service managers are being asked to register their interest in signing the "Blue Light Time To Change" pledge as a commitment to developing what the Government calls "meaningful action plans to support the well-being of their staff and volunteers".

The pilot scheme will draw together all emergency services personnel to offer them tailored support which recognises the difficulties of their unique jobs.