Skip to main content
Site logo
Rupert Matthews
for Leicestershire & Rutland

Main navigation

  • About Rupert
  • News
  • Campaigns
  • Contact
  • November Newsletter
Site logo
Rupert Matthews
for Leicestershire & Rutland

Old Shoulders to Lean On

  • Tweet
Sunday, 3 January, 2021
oldshoulders

On 29 December a new group was formed on Facebook. So far, so ordinary. But this is no ordinary group.

Old Shoulders to Lean On was founded by a visionary named Steve Williams who was shocked by the statistic that 336 police officer committed suicide in the past 20 years. And the rate is rising. It is estimated that a police officer has taken their own life once a fortnight in 2020.

So Mr Williams and some like-minded colleagues set up Old Shoulders to Lean On. The idea is to provide a network in which serving officers can talk to retired and experienced officers about their feelings and issues. It is not intended to be a formal counselling service – none of those involved are qualified – nor to replace the various welfare systems already in place. But it is a place where officers can talk to, contact and share experiences with others who have gone through the mill. They will know that they are not alone and may be signposted for more formal help and organisations if needs be.

The initial success of the group has been phenomenal. There were 1400 members of the Facebook Group in the first day and – as I write this on 3 January – that has risen to 2,400.

It seems to be an innovative, worthwhile and understanding initiative to which I am happy to give my support. I would urge all officers, or former officers, who feel that they have something to give to log on to Facebook and join the group.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Articles

You may also be interested in

pollingstation

How to Get a Postal Vote

Saturday, 23 January, 2021

We live in a democracy, but that works only because people like you go to vote to put in office the candidate who puts forward the policies that you agree with. If you don't vote, a candidate you disagree with might win and you have to live under policies that you don't like. 

Show only

  • Articles
  • European News
  • Local News
  • Opinions
  • Speeches
  • Westminster News

Rupert Matthews

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About Rupert
Site logoPromoted and published by Adrian Thompson on behalf of Rupert Matthews, both of LCCA, 18 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough LE11 1BE
Copyright 2021 Rupert Matthews . All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree