Dogs are being used to support the mental health and wellbeing of Sussex police officers and staff in a new pilot project.
Th National Police Wellbeing Service has initiated the Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dogs Project, with the help of Service Dogs UK, to raise awareness among officers nationwide.
Local dog services are being introduced to forces to help create an environment whre people feel comfortable to chat about wellbeing and mental health.
Each pooch has a handler who is trained as a mental health first aider, or a trained peer supporter.
According to Sussex Police, the canine companions are also available to defuse stressful situations in custody suites.
Rocky and Luther can often be found at Custody Centres in Sussex, while Chief Inspector Di Lewis’s dog Milo and PC Daren Buck’s dog Stanley are often seen about the police stations in East Sussex.
There is also Beau, who is a PTSD Assistance Dog in training with his partner Glen, and they will often be seen around Sussex Police headquarters in Lewes, including often popping into the contact centre.
Sergeant Garry Botterill, who is leading on the Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dogs Project, said:
“This project is a fantastic way to help encourage officers to open up, engage and speak about their mental health and wellbeing. Dogs have a friendly, calming influence and people are noticeably more relaxed and comfortable in their presence.
“By introducing trained support dogs and their handlers to frontline police officers and staff, it helps create an environment for conversations about their mental health and to highlight the relevant services which can provide help and support to those who need it.
“It’s incredibly important that people feel they can talk about their mental health, particularly in a job that presents people with challenging and traumatic situations. The dogs offer some light relief from the often difficult job we do, and anything that makes people feel positive and gets them talking should be encouraged.”
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