'Darcy visits the allotment' has been designed for police officers, police staff, and their families as well as colleagues within the wider emergency services. It is intended to bring families of all ages together, making opportunities to talk, listen and support each other as well as understand the incredible support being provided by the Oscar Kilo OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dogs.
The rhyming words and beautiful illustrations have been created by PC Cathy Veale, a member of the Wellbeing team in Devon and Cornwall Police, and her daughter Kirsty Smith, to bring a smile, capture the imagination, and as a reminder to us all about the importance of listening and supporting each other.
Darcy is one of the Oscar Kilo OK9 team, providing support to staff in all three emergency services and helping them to relax and open up about how they’re feeling. Working for a blue light service can be incredibly challenging, but there is something deeply comforting about the unconditional love of a four legged friend. Their handlers are trained to listen and to enable difficult conversations, signposting staff to further support if required.
Copies of 'Darcy visits the allotment' are being distributed through our OK9 dog handlers over the summer.
If you are lucky enough to receive a copy of this book we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did.
Darcy visits the allotment e-book
We are currently working on creating a e-book version of 'Darcy at the Allotment' which will be available on this page in the autumn, so more children and families can read this delightful story.
Darcy visits the allotment colouring sheet
Cathy and Kirsty have kindly created a colouring sheet based on the book.
You can download the sheet below
The Red Robber Raid - children's story
The "Red Robber Raid" is our first book and is more than just a children's story — it's a window into the lives of policing families. Created in partnership with the Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary Wellbeing Team, this beautifully illustrated story helps explain why loved ones in policing may miss out on important family moments like mealtimes, bedtimes, or celebrations.
Find out more and access the ebook
Other resources for familes
If a member of your family works in policing, we've lots of resources and support available for you to access directly on this website.
Three-quarters of family members report feeling concerned about the wellbeing of a loved one who works in policing. Three in five say that balancing the demands of police work and family life is a challenge.
OK family life brings together resources and support for families and friends – including advice on living with a shift worker, nutrition tips for the whole family, and how to spot the signs of trauma and stress in a loved one.
OK9 colouring and activity sheets
Check out our downloadable activity sheets for children, based around our OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dogs.