Staffordshire Police Federation wellbeing lead Claire Bond is urging members to sign up to the free Thrive mental health app.
Claire was the driving force behind the introduction of the app across the Force and made sure it was available to all 3,500 officers and staff.
It carries a number of features including stress-busting techniques, engaging distraction games, in-app coaching services and a personalised wellbeing plan. It can help users relax, build resilience and manage stress effectively.
Claire said the app could become an invaluable resource for members as the nights draw in and winter approaches.
“We are getting to that time of year again when some people may struggle a bit with seasonal adjustment disorder or just find their mood gets lower after the clocks go back,” she said.
“I know from talking to members that some people are getting really stressed about the cost of living crisis with food and energy prices continuing to rise, mortgage repayments likely to go up and Christmas just a couple of months away.
“Add all this to the pressure of the job and it's no surprise some people feel they need some extra support and I think the Thrive app could make all the difference.
“Some members use it to help them to relax and unwind but there are lots of different features related to mental wellbeing on it so I would encourage everyone to take a look.
<p“It has been available to all Staffordshire Police officers and staff since June 2021 and we have around 829 staff who use it at the moment and I am on a mission to see that number rise to 1,000 in the next couple of months.”
The Thrive app was developed to help individuals take better control of their mental health and provides instant access to the support they might need.
It features self-management computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) modules, signposting to further support and information and validated questionnaires to help detect depression and anxiety.
Claire said: ““Staffordshire Police and the Federation are taking more of a preventative approach when it comes to our staff’s wellbeing and the Thrive app and what it can offer fits in nicely with that strategy.”
Staffordshire Police Federation members who need more information on the Thrive app or support with their mental health can email Claire at Claire.Bond@polfed.org.
Claire is also busy planning a wellbeing day on 1 December with further details to be announced soon.
