Police leavers to benefit from confidential mental health crisis line

The independent and confidential Mental Health Crisis Line developed by the National Police Wellbeing Service has now been extended to those who have left policing and are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.

Known as Oscar Kilo, the wellbeing service launched the Crisis Line last year and has received more than 440 calls from police staff and officers serving in England and Wales. The recent expansion of the service will include staff or officers who were dismissed, resigned, or retired.

The Crisis Line is being delivered in partnership with TASC, The Ambulance Staff Charity, drawing on its experience of delivering similar services for paramedics and firefighters. The line is staffed with expert counsellors trained in suicide prevention who understand both what it’s like to work in policing and the challenges that come with leaving the service.

“Someone may have left policing, but policing hasn’t quite left them. It’s a job that has an effect on people – sometimes even years afterwards.

“That’s why extending our Mental Health Crisis Line to people who no longer work in policing is so important. No matter the reason someone has left, if they’re experiencing a mental health crisis, they have confidential, independent, 24/7 support to turn to.”

Andy Rhodes, Service Director for the National Police Wellbeing Service.

In addition to the Mental Health Crisis Line, Oscar Kilo also offers specialist bereavement counselling, designed to help those affected by the suicide of a colleague. 

The Crisis Line is available 24/7 and can be accessed by calling 0300 131 2789. 

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