10th October is Mental Health Awareness Day, and this year’s theme is ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. Security officers are more than the friendly faces greeting office workers, students and the public; they are prepared to be the first line of defence in a range of emergency scenarios.
That responsibility creates pressure, which can take a toll on physical and mental health without the right assistance. Organisations need robust HR teams who can offer resources, advice and 24/7 services for further support.
Ignoring these struggles can have profound effects. Without proper management, stress can increase blood pressure and prompt people to find relief in unhealthy vices such as smoking or poor eating habits, which further impact health.
At Corps, our priority is to increase officers’ accessibility to our range of resources and train colleagues to assist during crises. This year, we want to ensure our colleagues have the support they need without having to ask for it, no matter the situations they face.
Strong support systems
No one person’s struggles are the same, so organisational support systems should be multifaceted. At Corps, we offer a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and advice helpline through our Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Solutions, for officers to access via the phone or online booking. It covers a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, bereavement, addiction, and legal matters.
We know that unforeseeable circumstances can result in serious financial hardship, so colleagues can apply for a grant from our Colleague Welfare Fund to help cover essential costs that cannot reasonably be met by alternative resources, including those arising from serious illness, household emergencies, or domestic abuse.
In June, we also partnered with St. John’s Ambulance Service to launch a Level 2 Award for Corps line managers in first responder training. The face-to-face training course equips managers with practical skills to support mental well-being in the workplace. Our training portal also features a dedicated Mental Health Awareness online course designed specifically for front-line security officers.
In emergencies, our HR teams conduct on-site welfare visits and offer assistance when required. Since January 2025, our HR colleagues have conducted over 70 site visits across the country.
Keeping our services accessible
Officers often work alone, at unsociable hours, which makes round-the-clock support options vital. Our online colleague portal was developed for easy 24/7 access to mental and physical health resources.
Our portal lets officers view their rotas and raise any concerns with their line manager, while also providing access to our Employee Assistance Programme, wellness policies, 48-hour doctor’s appointments, nutritional guidance, counselling services, fitness tips and the Aviva Digicare Workplace+ app that helps users detect, manage, and prevent physical and mental health problems. It also opens the mental health conversation with personal stories from colleagues, to share their own struggles and advice with others.
These resources are alongside other colleagues resources such as rotas and communications, ensuring that wellness support is always present and accessible.
Supporting our veteran community
Security is an industry that often draws in ex-military personnel. Veterans represent approximately 10 per cent of our workforce, and have been at the heart of our organisation since our foundation in 1859 to support Crimean War veterans.
As a demographic, veterans are statistically more likely than the general public to struggle with Complex PTSD. Just like any officer, these individuals require community, support and specialist treatment options.
Our colleagues and their families can be referred to fully funded online training on topics like trauma and PTSD through our charity partner, Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health.
Our Corps Veterans Association also provides that community through regular meetings and fundraisers. Most recently, our teams took part in the March in March, walking 24 miles to raise over £14,000 for Combat Stress.
Getting the help that you need
Mental health challenges can emerge at any time, and officers need multiple pathways for support. Whether you are dealing with personal difficulties or the unique challenges that come with being on the front lines, help is available.
No one should suffer in silence. We’re committed to destigmatising mental health in the industry by providing accessible resources, training our colleagues and facilitating open, honest conversations.
If you are a veteran, the Combat Stress helpline is there specifically for you and is staffed by people who understand your experiences.
For more information on PTSD and treatment advice, visit Mind’s website.
