Staffordshire Police Federation wellbeing lead Claire Bond has won a prestigious award for implementing a mental health app across the Force.
Claire’s hard work and determination was recognised at the Inside Out Awards 2022 as she scooped the individual accolade in the “large employer of the year” category.
The category recognises the employer who has implemented the best mental health and wellbeing programme focussing on recovery and preventative solutions.
Speaking after the awards ceremony in London, she said: “To be honest, I was just thrilled to be a finalist. I am so amazed that I won but this has given me the fire in my belly to really help make a change in the perception of mental health and that of police officers and staff.
“It’s so easy to get consumed in the day job, but we need to protect the protectors and help people to help themselves to better mental health.
“We are human beings like everyone else on this planet and deserve to be looked after.
“I’m so proud to have been part of this mental health focus across the Force and will continue to do all I can to support colleagues to look after themselves.
“Each day is a gift. Open it, celebrate and enjoy it. And if anyone asks if your glass if half full or half empty, just tell them you’re grateful to have a glass!”
As wellbeing lead, Claire was the driving force behind the introduction of the Thrive mental health and wellbeing app across the Force and has also led a number of wellbeing conferences to help officers boost morale and, most recently, recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
By the end of 2020, the Thrive app was made available to all 3,500 officers and staff across Staffordshire Police and was also being made available to their friends and family if needed.
Claire got involved with officer mental health and wellbeing after a serious incident in 2018 in which she was badly injured while tackling an out-of-control driver.
She was run over, dragged along the ground and crushed against a fence as she tried to stop the driver heading towards the Stafford 10k race route.
Claire required a five-hour operation to save her shattered leg and almost lost her life and was left with both physical and mental scars.
She said: “After what happened to me, when I was told frontline work wasn’t an option anymore, I realised how exhausted and stressed colleagues seemed, so I wanted to do something to make a difference.
“I was so grateful to be alive that I wanted to help people feel the same way and support them to put themselves and their mental health first.”
Claire Bond (centre) celebrates her award win.
