Husband,dad,🌈,Mental Health Advocate,diagnosed
#cyclothymia
#PTSD
, Police Forensic Collision Investigator, co-chair of Force Mental Health Steering Group.
I received the good news this morning that I passed the Sgts exam. I don’t say this to gloat as I have been on the other side of the fence having failed it three times before. I say this to show that with the right mental approach and frame of mind, you can achieve your goals.
Absolutely delighted, shocked and relieved to say that I receive the call earlier to say I passed the sergeants promotion process. Never underestimate your ability and skill. Experience counts. This was a long hard process, and I realised that success is all about your frame of
#SgtsExam
completed for the last time I’ve decided that I won’t be doing it again if it’s a fail - the cost/benefit is not worth it. That said, fingers crossed for me and everyone who is sitting it this week. Remember, you are no better or worse an officer because of it.
Completed the
@CollegeofPolice
#sgtsexam
. The first thing that comes to mind is that it doesn’t test knowledge, but your ability to rush through 150 questions in 3hrs. I can’t see the correlation between this and one’s ability to lead. But thems the rules I guess…
Received my new posting today following my success in the recent sergeants promotion process. After twelve years on Collision Investigation, I am off to Stoke on Trent on the Response Team. Whilst the new team can learn a lot from me, I hope that I can learn a lot from them -
The brain is going to have a huge workout over the next few weeks as I go through the Sgts boards process for the first time. At 24Yrs service, I certainly am late to the party, however I hope that through the rehearsed lines and material I will undoubtedly have to tick off, my
Sadly attended another fatal RTC this morning - the third in our county this month. It is somehow worse as it is the run up to Christmas and you can’t help but empathise with the family. It is also traumatic for colleagues, some of whom will have never attended such an incident.
From feeling sky high having passed the Sgts Exam, I now seem to find myself rock bottom just two weeks later. Folks, the way you communicate with your colleagues can stay with someone for a very long time. It takes two seconds to think about what you are saying, and it costs
Preparing for an interview for a Sgts position on my existing team. Learning the CVF is interesting 🤨. Hope the quick turnaround from exam result to application and interview isn’t too much of a hurdle!
Just arrived at our hotel in Gran Canaria. We were here this time last year. One difference will be that I WILL NOT be spending my time by the pool revising for
#SgtsExam
and missing out on making memories with my sun. This time, it will be a week of not thinking of policing.
A good period of annual leave coming up after todays shift. Very much needed. The feeling of never being recognised or appreciated is relentless.
#bluelightmentalhealth
On what was probably one of the more horrific days of my career, and one I never wish to repeat, I was reminded of the importance of teamwork.
@StaffsFire
@StaffsPolice
Congratulations to all colleagues who succeeded in this autumns
#InspectorsExam
. To those who did not, trust me, you are not defined by a three hour multiplied choice memory test. Try again. And again. Your determination will eventually pay off. If it doesn’t, so be it.
One day till
#sgtsexam
. To all those taking it, stay calm and level minded. Remember why you are taking it. If you are doing it for the privilege of rank and title, you are doing it for the wrong reasons. Some of the best leaders and most competent officers are constables.
Had a young officer on attachment with me over the last six days. It’s great to see that our very niche area of business is still attractive to colleagues. It’s also important for colleagues to understand what our role entails.
#ForensicCollisionInvestigation
I’m rapidly arriving at the realisation that trying to raise awareness of
#999mentalhealth
is like weaving snot. We cannot afford to move at a snails pace. We cannot let other down because of inaction. Thanks to those who have pledged support to date. We must fight on.
David Carrick does not represent al police officers. In the same way that Jimmy Saville didn’t represent all TV presenters, or that Harold Shipman didn’t represent all Drs. Please don’t tar us with the same brush.
Today’s is day 3 of my brief stint as A/Sgt. My first ever time with stripes and I am honestly loving it! It is surprising how much you miss front line policing and that having been away from it for 12 years, how quickly it comes back to you! Onwards and hopefully upwards.
I missed on the
#sgtsexam
with a result of 52.14%. Not sure whether to be disappointed on what I missed out on, or proud of what I achieved. Odd that 2 or 3 wrong questions can massively effect your career. I am fortunate to have a role as Pc that I love.
#bluelightmentalhealth
I had to tap out and leave work early yesterday. That’s fine. Better to recognise when something is happening and do something to prevent it, instead of soldiering on. I’m good now.
#MentalHealthMatters
Today is my last day in CIU & my last day as an operational PC. Mixed emotions about leaving a role I have worked hard to achieve in an area of business I love. That said, I’m really looking forward to the immense challenge of being a Response Sgt following promotion.
Another difficult day at work for me and my team, made worse when considering the time of year. It certainly makes you appreciate those you love a little more.
#BlueLightMentalHealth
As officers start to take the
#SgtsExam
today, remember, you do are not defined by your rank or exam success. Some of the best police leaders and officers I have ever known have been Constables.
I’m very lucky that I could pop home to see my son on Christmas morning. He is obsessed with
#Police
. Here he is with his new police car and helicopter carrying out a little tactical contact!
I have inexplicably reached 1k followers. A drop in the ocean to some, but I am grateful that people out there have some interest in what I have to say about mental health, well-being and policing. I honestly hope I have done my bit to help along the way. Cheers folks!
@CollegeofPolice
Having recently done a CVF interview, I will say first hand that it doesn’t not select the best candidates, but the candidates who area able to learn the CVF and give structured answers.
A difficult day today. My dear mum would have been 70 today. She sadly lost her battle to cancer aged 48. Cherish those around you folks, you never know what tomorrow brings.
Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up.
#MentalHealthMatters
As it is
#WorldMentalHealthDay2023
, please take time to check on yourself and those around you. For some of us, this is not just one day, but everyday. There should be NO STIGMA surrounding this subject. Be open. Be honest. Be kind and be safe.
Did some filming today for Time To Talk Week. I dread to think what the final product will come out like -I have a tendency to go off on tangents! If it helps one person, then job done.
#bluelightmentalhealth
#mensmentalheath
#letsjustbeopen
Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful Christmas as I start my early shift at FCIU. Take a moment to think of those who have sacrificed their own family and home lives to keep everyone else safe.
Two weeks until I resit
#SgtsExam
. In the meantime, I will have surgery on my foot, be hobbling around on crutches and revising as best I can. I clearly like a challenge!
Just seen a gaggle of probationers/student officers meandering through my local town. Get your hands out of your pockets and wear you hat correctly! Call me old fashioned but uniform standards are non existent
Received this today from colleagues at
@StaffsFire
following a debrief about a particularly traumatic RTC we attended. It’s the small things that can make the biggest difference. Kindness matters and counts.
I appear to have reached 800 followers. Genuine thanks. I sincerely hope my openness on mens mental health within the emergency services helps. No one should suffer in silence.
#bluelightmentalhealth
Back to work tomorrow after two weeks annual leave. If I am honest, I am not looking forward to it. Feeling completely under valued and still reeling from
#sgtsexam
failure. Still, have no choice but to paint on the smile and fake it.
#bluelightmentalhealth
A few days away with the family. It’s important to remember and recognise that you are important at home and an an integral part of your own family, when perhaps you aren’t elsewhere.
#bluelightmentalhealth
#MentalHealthInPolicing
Read the
#CaseyReport
this afternoon. Appalling and shameful and at times, made me embarrassed to be a police officer. Issues raised aren’t just related to the Met - especially when it comes to incompetent leadership, preaching by tag lines and low morale.
This December is turning out to be a very busy one for my team, with 3 deployments in the last 24hrs alone. Stay safe on the roads out there folks, whether as a driver, rider or pedestrian. All made worse as its Christmas.
@cmpg_ciu
#bluelightmentalhealth
Beauty can be found in everything. Despite the weather being predictably unpredictable, it still provides a stunning backdrop to an evening beach walk.
#cornwall
#bluelightmentalhealth
A reminder that I am on the panel of
@ThriveAppsUK
#welbeing
#webinar
at the 1100 today. Discussing men’s mental health role models, so called toxic masculinity and more
Currently enjoying some time away from work, relaxing and rebuilding resilience. Improving mental health of others is never far from my mind. Looking forward to working with both
@Robbiebarb
and
@StaffsPoliceCC
for a joined up approach to mental health of our staff.
Will be attending the forces Mental Health Steering Group meeting later, which I am proud to say I founded. Will be discussing what we are getting right, but also where we need to improve. Honesty is the key.
#bluelightmentalhealth
At my quarterly check up with my Psychiatrist. I only put this out there to show that people who need the care of mental health professionals can function at high levels the most demanding of roles.
#bluelightmentalhealth
#noshameinmentalilless
The final few days of prep before my promotion board and briefing exercise. The briefing exercise is an interesting one -assessed on how fast you can speak in ten minutes. Rather like a Generation Game task but without Larry and Bruce.
Folks, when addressing people who haven’t achieved a goal, don’t say “you get out what you put in”. Life is not binary for some people. Lots of us put a huge amount of effort in to just treading water sometimes.
#bluelightmentalheath
Day one of ten days leave. Looking forward to a trip to 🇨🇿 Prague with my family. Switch off from work. Switch off from social media - which seems to becoming more and more toxic and anti police. Stay safe folks.
#bluelightmentalhealth
The
@CollegeofPolice
latest guidance re basic investigations is frighteningly worrying. Reminding officers to carry out door to door and cctv trawls. This was bread and butter policing. What on earth happened that this has to reminded to front line police officers?
Watching Paula Vennells giving evidence at the post office enquiry. She was clearly out of her depth, a non practitioner and promoted well above her ability. Sadly a scenario across the whole public sector I suspect.
Our team gave an input
@StaffsPolice
#cadets
at Leek Police Station. Great to be able to get involved with the next generation and also give some vital road safety advice.
After what seems like a really hectic first half of the year, and a massive professional transition coming up, it’s brilliant to be away with my little dysfunctional family on our Grand Tour of Italy. First stop, Venice.
My nose. The swelling and bruising is nowhere near what it was yesterday. I could lie and say I did it folllowing a rock n roll collapse in the Mediterranean sun. The truth is a fainted following a geriatric coughing fit and face played the floor! Getting older is ace.
For those who are not working, have a relaxing weekend. For those who are working, stay safe. Remember, you are never alone. We all struggle from time to time and thats ok.
#BlueLightMentalHealth
#MensMentalHealth
This time of year can be very triggering and difficult for some and there is an expectation to be “full of seasons cheer”. Be kind to others, especially those who are struggling.
#mentalhealth
#kindnessisthegreatestgift
@Brick_Cop
@metpoliceuk
Hardly surprising. Good operational officers ground down by disproportionate restrictions on life, constant media criticism, Casey report, poor pay relative to equivalents in private sectors, lack of well-being awareness. Good luck to those brave enough to jump.
Final promotion board push for tomorrow…
Have to say, although I believe the process is not
#Neurodivergent
friendly - a fine line between a memory test and competency, I have actually enjoyed it so far! Good to engage brain in a different way.
First day of
@checkmatetrain
crammer course - again. Paul should have a loyalty card system for those who have been on more than one! Hopefully pass this time!
And just like that, the mood begins to deteriorate. Trying to understand
#mentalillness
is hard. It just happens. But, being open helps me, and I hope in some small way, helps others to be open.
#bluelightmentalhealth
A positive force Mental Health Steering Group meeting today. The majority of attendees are front line practitioners which is important. It’s a balance of celebrating what we get right, but being honest about what we get wrong.
#bluelightmentalhealth
@CopPcda
So very sad. I sincerely hope that leaders realise that this is truly an important issue that needs addressing now, not tomorrow or next week.
#bluelightmentalhealth
After an unnecessarily difficult week at work, a rest day in lieu and time spent with family is easing the struggle. To our ‘leaders’, remember that your words and actions can stay with others for a long time and have a lasting effect.
#BlueLightMentalHealth
@TiredSgt
The sad thing is is that no one will dare criticise it. It’s not the fault of the probationer, it’s poor management and implementation. No wonder forces are going back to the old method of IPLDP.
On annual leave for a week and spending it on the sunshine. That said, sitting by the pool listening to audiobooks for sgts exam revision seems at best tragic, if not dedicated!
I can’t work out if I’m old, or old fashioned, but I found myself sitting in the canteen this morning tutting at the standards of dress of my less mature colleagues. It’s not their fault, it’s ours for not challenging I guess.
900 followers! Thanks! Admittedly a drop in ocean compared to some folks, but I hope in some small way, I have shone a light into the dark corners of men’s mental health, especially within the emergency services.
#bluelightmentalhealth
#youarenotweakifyouspeak
Two weeks annual leave begins today. Very much needed after a couple of difficult weeks at work. Whilst team work has been excellent, we all need to take time out to spend time with family and friends, and reset and refresh.
#bluelightmentalhealth
This time of year can be extremely difficult for some. We are expected to love Christmas. But some do not have the family, friends, or finances to do so. It is difficult for those who are bereaved, regardless of when your loved one passed. Check in on one and other. Be kind.