Wishart highlights police mental health during awareness week

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart has raised the issue of support for police mental health in the Scottish Parliament during mental health awareness week. Wishart highlighted the impact on officers attending incidents involving mental health cases and asked what more could be done to support officers, and retain and increase numbers in Police Scotland.

Ms Wishart asked:

“We know that there are impacts on mental wellbeing given the difficult role police officers have.

“The impact of attending incidents involving mental health cases is one factor.

“What additional support services can be put in place to support officers, in order to help retain and increase numbers in Police Scotland?”

After the question session Ms Wishart said:

“This week is mental health awareness week and it is important to acknowledge the impact work has on mental wellbeing.

“Reports show officer numbers are the lowest since the creation of Police Scotland and we need to do what we can to support and retain officers.

“We should also consider mental health services in the community which can have an impact on policing and may not have occurred with greater access to mental health provision.

“Anyone can be impacted by mental ill health and if you feel you need support please contact your GP or one of many charities providing advice and support on mental health. There is help out there.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Ms Wishart’s question can be found here.