Led by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) aims to encourage conversation and reduce stigma around mental health.

This year the theme for the week is ‘community’, something we’re confident our workforce can feel part of thanks, in part, to our strong and diverse staff networks.  

The Constabulary is proud to foster a strong culture of mutual support to all our officers and staff.

Our Occupational Health team provide a comprehensive offer to support mental and physical wellness. Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), PAM Wellness, is a confidential and free service for employees and their families that offers guidance and counselling on a wide range of issues, including managing stress, anxiety, bereavement, medical concerns and money matters.

The EAP is complemented by the range of peer support networks available at the CNC, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders, the Diverse Ability and Wellness Network (DAWN), and Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) practitioners to support employees who have experienced traumatic events or environments on or off duty.

We work closely with our staff associations – the Civil Nuclear Police Federation for officers, and Prospect for police staff – which provide their members with further support.

And finally, as we know maintaining healthy bodies can help create a healthy mind, our officers and staff have access to free gyms, annual wellness assessments and free fitness advice from trained staff.

ACC Michael Vance, Chair of the Strategic Health, Safety and Wellbeing Group, said: “The CNC is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and creating a supportive working environment, so everyone can feel safe to be their authentic self at work and be enabled to reach their potential.

“Every one of our employees faces individual challenges that can impact their mental health, and so raising awareness, having open conversations and challenging the stigma around mental health is vitally important.”

For more information about MHAW, visit the Mental Health Foundation’s website.