Call to implement a National Mental Health Strategy for our emergency services workers as shocking figures reveal rise in mental health problems.

Campaigners are calling for the implementation of a National Mental Strategy for our emergency service workers following a very worrying increase in the rise of PTSD and suicide amongst 999 workers. Recent research and surveys have shown shocking figures that have now prompted campaigners to call for a country wide National Mental Health Strategy to be put into place by the government to address this vital issue.

Our bluelight family are there everyday to support communities everywhere and now, after years of financial strains and difficult conditions such as lock downs, the pandemic, endless protests, years of constant abuse, it is time these public sector workers are given the right support and care.

In 2016 mental health charity Mind, revealed data that showed one in four emergency service workers had thought about ending their life. The online poll found that there was a high number of emergency service workers who had contemplated taking their own life following high levels of stress and the negative impact it was having on their mental health.

The horrifying survey results also showed that over 1,600 staff and volunteers from all three of the services, 9 out of 10 respondents had experienced low mood and bad mental health whilst 62% stated that they had experienced problems such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bi polar, whilst doing their job.

The survey also stated that two in five had been prescribed medication such as anti depressants or sleeping tablets.

A Cambridge University research programme undertaken in 2019 by Dr Jess Miller also exposed data that showed one in five police officers suffers with PTSD and many even suffering with Complex PTSD.

All these figures are shocking and should leave the public horrified to know that these members of our society that always respond to that call when it is made, are now suffering mental health issues that must be addressed. If they are not addressed now, this will be a public sector health crisis.

A National Mental Health Strategy needs to be implemented now to support the bluelight family, it is time now we help those who help us. Communities across the country rely on their vital support and without them would not function.

Ambulance service workers have faced a long strain with the pandemic that has added even more pressure to an under funded service.

The police face constant battering, physical and verbal abuse, never ending criticism and also funding constraints after years of austerity cuts and a media who regularly seek to vilify them, especially in London.

Now, it is time we give back and look after those who have looked after us. A National Mental Health Strategy needs to be looked at and implemented. This is not the time to stand outside and clap but not support, this is the time to support our bluelight family.