This week marks the 23rd annual Mental Health Awareness Week. Established in 2001 by the Mental Health Foundation, this week aims to bring people together across the UK, to bring light to people’s struggles and discuss mental health.
This year, the theme is ‘Movement: moving more for your mental health.’ Fuelling our minds and our bodies at the same time is a great way to improve our well-being. Physical activity is proven to prevent and treat conditions like heart disease, diabetes and strokes.
The benefits of movement are especially important to the security sector. Last year, chartered health psychologist Dr Tina Cartwright held a managing stress and preventing burnout interactive workshop at our event ‘Mental health: security’s invisible enemy’. After asking attendees whether they exercised outside of work, only five out of 60 said yes.
Why do security officers need to exercise?
Security officers can work in stressful environments, and that can take a toll on the body, both mentally and physically. In 2020, the University of Portsmouth found that nearly 40% of UK security officers surveyed had symptoms of PTSD. Poor mental health can further affect the body as those suffering can choose unhealthy vices like smoking or drinking.
Security roles are a popular choice among veterans, a group that suffers from high PTSD levels. ONS data released recently showed that in 2021, there were 253 reported suicides of UK armed forces veterans. Nearly 94% of these deaths were male. In the security industry, 89% of officers are also male, which could mean a continuation of male mental health struggles from post-service to working in a potentially stressful job role.
These harrowing statistics are a key part of why we fundraise for our nominated charity, Combat Stress, which provides mental health support services to veterans. Last year, we raised over £22,000 through corporate fundraising initiatives including our ‘Tour De Corps’ cycling challenge, a North vs South football match in Birmingham, and a D-Day Challenge.
Moving for a good cause
For March in March, our national accounts team set off on a 26-mile walk from Eastbourne to Brighton. They spent the day walking across the coastline and hills, from 7ft to 500 ft elevation, and raised an incredible £7,400 for Combat Stress.
Last month, 11 members of Team Corps completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon, running by 17 iconic London landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The team was made up of ex-veterans, mental health champions, and security officers. They rallied together to raise over £5,000 for Combat Stress.
Our 2023 Tour De Corps cycling team have also been recognised for their considerable efforts. The group cycled from Glasgow to London to fundraise for Combat Stress and have been shortlisted for the Business Charity Awards’ ‘Innovation Award: challenge event of the year.’
Our efforts don’t stop there. This year we’re following suit, moving our bodies and coming together to raise money for mental health. Corps’ teams throughout the UK plan to get involved in various fundraising activities throughout the year. For example, on June 6th, a team will venture to France to commemorate D-Day and fundraise for Combat Stress while walking from the British Memorial to Pegasus Bridge.
Approaching wellbeing with colleagues
With frequent lone working, shifts at unsociable hours and the pressure to stay calm and collected, all while needing to be an authoritative presence, officers may suffer in silence to appear ‘strong’. Our line managers and colleagues across Corps are trained to be attentive to the tell-tale signs of someone struggling and how to offer support.
We use signposting cards developed by the organisation SecurityMindsMatter, which include QR codes and resources for officers and colleagues to access online support for their mental health. Over 5,000 have been printed so far.
We also created our own Mental Health Continuum, developed from the Ambulance Service’s work. The continuum allows individuals, and line managers, to identify where someone is on the mental health spectrum. Once determined, they can use the guide to source guidance and support.
We are keen for these resources to be shared with everyone in the industry. If you would like a copy of the signposting cards, the continuum, have any ideas or questions, contact Mike Hurst, director of SecurityMindsMatter.
If you or someone you know is struggling, speak up. Contact your manager to access support, and if you are a veteran, call
