Welfare
Supporting the welfare and wellbeing of our members is a fundamental part of our role. In recent years, our members have been the first on the scene at a series of major incidents, including terror attacks. Alongside major incidents, we recognise the impact of repeated exposure to trauma. The effects of fatalities, dealing with mental health cases, long hours, lone working, workplace demands, and unrealistic time pressures can all take their toll.
Sources of support at work
BTP Federation
Our reps receive a range of training from mental health first aid to menopause awareness. All reps can provide a listening ear, plus each committee has a rep who leads on welfare issues.
From support available through the Group Insurance scheme to grants and loans from the Welfare Fund, your reps can advise on the support available to you, depending on your circumstances and needs. Please don't suffer in silence.
BTP Assist
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential service run independently from BTP, providing help in a variety of areas from financial guidance to bereavement support. They provide help in a variety of areas including psychological issues, work and relationship problems, addictions, bereavement, caring issues as well as legal and financial concerns.
Call: 0800 328 9972 (24 hours a day 365 days a year). Further information, support and guidance can be found in the wellbeing section of the BTP microsite.
External sources of support
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
CALM is leading a movement against suicide; 75% of all UK suicides are male. The CALM helpline is for people who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, daily).
Pacey Organisation
Pacey Organisation provides practical support and tips for parents on talking to children who may experience anxiety as a reaction to terrible events in the news and/or from their parent's involvement in dealing with the incident. Call: Tel: 0300 003 0005.
Police Care UK
Police Care UK helps serving and former police officers and staff, volunteers, and their families where they have been harmed because of the policing role (either physical or psychologically), get the practical, emotional, and financial support they need in a confidential and safe environment. Call: 0300 012 0030.
Railway Mission
Railway Mission provides voluntary pastoral services for employees and their families, irrespective of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Call Tel: 07718 971919 (out of hours: 07718 971918).
Samaritans
Whatever you're going through you can call the Samaritans any time, for free. Sometimes, writing your thoughts and feelings down can help you understand them better, so you can also email the Samaritans. Call: 116 123 (free) / Email: jo@samaritans.org
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