Sometimes we all need a bit of help and we know your branch is the first port-of-call for PFEW members to receive support. However, there may be times when more specialist provision is needed outside of what your force can offer – which is why PFEW have a Welfare Support Programme (WSP) in place.
The WSP provides invaluable support to members throughout England and Wales. This service is provided by us, Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) and is available to all subscribing PFEW members – Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00.
What service does WSP provide?
Our WSP offers a wide range of welfare support that includes:
- practical and mental support
- clinical assessment/counselling
- person-centred support (via telephone or face-to-face)
- access to fully trained and accredited professionals
- independent and confidential support
- referrals to appropriate follow-on specialist support, if needed.
All subscribing PFEW members can be referred to the service, but unfortunately it does not provide support to family members.
How to assist a member in need of support?
The process for supporting members that need welfare assistance is simple:
- Local PFEW Rep is approached by a member for help; or Rep identifies a member requiring help
- Rep – in conjunction with their branch Chair or Secretary – looks at what support is available via their branch or wider force to support the member
- If suitable support isn’t available locally, the branch can refer the member to DMWS via the WSP following confirmation they are a subscribing member.
The service is only available to members through their local Federation branch. (PFEW advise all branches to assign one single point of referral, whether this be through the branch board Secretary or Office Manager.)
About the referral process
PFEW members are referred to DMWS through their branch only. As their Fed Rep, you should contact your local branch board Secretary or Office Manager. Once they confirm that the member is a PFEW subscriber, they will be put in touch with their regional SPOC, who will arrange for an assessment to be carried out with the member over the phone.
About the assessment process
Once a member is referred, the assessment process falls into two categories:
- a clinical assessment – a suitably qualified consultant will see the officer for the number of sessions needed to determine an appropriate treatment plan and will work with the individual to deliver the necessary support.
- a welfare and wellbeing assessment – DMWS will identify and address the issues that may be causing significant stress to an individual, which are often key to improving the circumstances of those members both physically and psychologically.
For more information on the referral and assessment process, please speak to your Federation Rep or contact a Wellbeing Subcommittee member on the contact details listed below.
Communicating locally to your members
There are marketing emails for you to use locally to communicate to your members. The template provides information on the WSP, but with editable fields for you to update to promote the great support you offer your members locally. This template will be forwarded to you separately to store on your local drive.
More information
For more information on our WSP, please refer to the Police Federation website for details.
