OK family life

If you have a family member or close friend who works in the police, we’re here for you too.

Working in policing throws up unique challenges and this can have a wider impact on the wellbeing of families.

You’ll find resources and support for families and friends in this section of our 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.

You can also find us on social media: FacebookInstagramXLinkedIn.

The Red Robber Raid - children's story

The "Red Robber Raid" 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

Family toolkit for forces

This toolkit is designed to help guide police forces in developing how they communicate with and support families so that they feel heard, valued, informed and know where to seek wellbeing support for their loved ones if they need it. 

It has been developed in collaboration with Merseyside Police, North Wales Police, Bedfordshire Police and Staffordshire Police who have all provided their experience and ideas based on their own successful work in reaching and supporting police families. 

View the toolkit

We appreciate all that you do

We know that having a loved one in policing can impact family life, and we want to say thank you.

Watch our thank you film

OK9 colouring and activity sheets

Check out these new downloadable activity sheets for children, based around our OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dogs. These resources have been kindly provided to us by PC Cathy Veale from Devon, Cornwall and Dorset Police Alliance.

Access the OK9 activity sheets