FOI 375528
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 375528
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 29th November 2024. Please find below the response to your request:
- How many wellbeing dogs are currently employed within your force, and if applicable, what breeds are they?
- If the force does not have wellbeing dogs, is there another resource or provider used for this purpose?
- Is there a mental health policy inclusive of wellbeing dogs?
- Over the past five years, what percentage of total sick days taken by police officers and staff were due to mental health conditions?
- What were the most common mental health conditions reported?
Reply
West Mercia Police hold the information requested
- How many wellbeing dogs are currently employed within your force, and if applicable, what breeds are they?
West Mercia currently have 6 wellbeing dogs for West Mercia. This number is anticipated to increase in the coming months as we have been internally recruiting from within our peer support programme over the last 6 months. Our current wellbeing dog team includes a Golden Retriever, a German Shepherd, a Labrador, a Working Cocker Spaniel and 2 mixed toy breeds. The breed is not necessarily applicable for this role, however, we feel that we have a variety of dog breeds and sizes that lend to being appropriate in different wellbeing circumstances.
- If the force does not have wellbeing dogs, is there another resource or provider used for this purpose?
- The force has the ability to tap into support from neighbouring forces for additional wellbeing dog support.
- Is there a mental health policy inclusive of wellbeing dogs?
The OK9 Wellbeing Dog programme is directly linking to the National Peer Support Programme which has a policy.
West Mercia require all wellbeing dog handlers to be Nationally Trained Peer Supporters and to have completed the 2 day Mental Health First Aid England training as a minimum. Mental Health training requirements of the OK9 wellbeing dog handlers in laid out in West Mercia’s Wellbeing Dog Policy.
More information can be found for OK9 www.oscarkilo.org.uk/services/wellbeing-dogs
- Over the past five years, what percentage of total sick days taken by police officers and staff were due to mental health conditions?
|
01.01.2019 - 01.01.2024 |
Police Officer |
Police Staff |
||
|
Reason |
Count of Full Name |
Percentage of Sickness Days Lost |
Count of Full Name |
Percentage of Sickness Days Lost |
|
Amnesia |
0.00% |
1 |
0.00% |
|
|
Anxiety State |
45 |
8.12% |
44 |
4.04% |
|
Bereavement |
14 |
0.74% |
17 |
1.64% |
|
Debility |
3 |
0.21% |
0 |
0.00% |
|
Depression |
13 |
2.32% |
18 |
3.77% |
|
Depression/Anxiety |
23 |
3.86% |
19 |
1.91% |
|
Insomnia |
1 |
0.02% |
1 |
0.01% |
|
Stress |
98 |
19.33% |
80 |
15.09% |
|
Stress Related Illness |
33 |
7.06% |
35 |
5.44% |
|
Total |
230 |
41.66% |
215 |
32.09% |
- What were the most common mental health conditions reported?
See Q4