Minister for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse and National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter visit DMWS - DMWS
Minister of State for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse and National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter visited Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) head office in Andover, Hampshire to hear first hand some of the brilliant work DMWS have been delivering to police officers in need of support. Also in attendance was Mr Nigel Atkinson, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire accompanied by his wife Christine Atkinson who is a champion of DMWS.
Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is providing a new Welfare Support Programme (WSP) to all subscribing police federation (PFEW) members across England and Wales. The scheme, funded by the PFEW, complements services already available to officers. The bespoke service offers a wide range of welfare support including clinical assessment, counselling, person centred support, access to fully trained and accredited professionals, independent and confidential support and referrals appropriate follow-on specialist support.
Our police officers go above and beyond every single day – risking their safety to protect the public and keep us all safe – so it’s vital we give them the health and wellbeing support they need.
As Policing Minister, I’m doing everything I can to ensure our police get the best support available – including through the introduction of a Police Covenant and the National Police Wellbeing Service.
The work of the Defence Medical Welfare Service complements our efforts and gives police officers a place to go in their time of need – I’m extremely grateful for their efforts and was delighted to visit and see their excellent work in action.”
Minister for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse
We’re delighted to be working with Defence Medical Welfare Service to deliver our Welfare Support Programme. Our local Federation branches already go above and beyond to help members in their time of need, but thanks to DMWS we can go one step further and provide this extra and invaluable support service to all.
We are very pleased with the progress so far and we know it is already making a tangible difference to the lives of our colleagues who, when in a dark place, often don’t feel comfortable reaching out to their force, but look to the Federation for support.
John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales
We are delighted to be working in such a positive partnership with the PFEW and to be supporting police officers on the frontline at the most challenging of times. The rapid take up of the service highlights both the need and effectiveness of the support we are able to provide.
Paul Gaffney, Defence Medical Welfare Service, Chief Executive Officer
How to get support: If you are a police officer require support please contact DMWS police@mws.uk.com or 01264 586 942
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Notes to editors
For further information about the service please contact DMWS Regional Manager Jess Liston jliston@dmws.org.uk or 01264 774000
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About Defence Medical Welfare Service
The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is an independent charity providing medical welfare to the armed forces, veterans, NHS staff, emergency services, The Merchant Navy & their immediate family when they are receiving medical treatment in hospital. DMWS’ practical and emotional support ensures that no family goes through the worry of illness or injury alone.
Since 1943 DMWS has also deployed to areas of conflict with the Armed Forces working alongside medical staff in the Field Hospitals.
The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is an external provider of expert Welfare, Resilience and Mental Health First Aid Training for preventative and intervention strategies for people working in the welfare arena and anyone who wants to improve their knowledge and confidence in supporting others.
The St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (known as DMWS) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1087210) and in Scotland (SC045460)
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Published: 24th June, 2021