Mental Health Crisis Line
- If you're an officer or member of police staff in need of immediate mental health crisis support, the Mental Health Crisis Line is here for you.
- The support line is completely independent and confidential.
- Open 24/7/365, you’ll speak to a qualified counsellor trained to support people in crisis and experienced in working with blue light workers.
- Access immediate support now or call 0300 131 2789
In-person mental health support for police officers
Oscar Kilo wellbeing vans
Our fleet of bespoke vans give officers and staff the chance to drop-in during a shift and speak to a trained expert in a private, supportive space.
- The vans are available to forces across the country.
- Your force can book directly by emailing [email protected]
- Find out more about OK wellbeing vans
Peer support
Talking to someone who’s been in your shoes can be extremely powerful. Our peer support network connects you with a colleague who’s got shared experiences and is trained to listen and support.
- If you’re interested in seeking peer support, contact your force wellbeing team who will be able to point you in the right direction (for details on your wellbeing team, check your force intranet.)
- If your force doesn’t yet have a peer support team, they can contact us and explore setting one up.
Mental health support films
We’ve created a series of short films to help police officers and staff explore and understand some of the most pressing mental health challenges faced in the role.
Based on real-life experiences of working police officers and staff, the films encourage reflection and open conversations about wellbeing across policing.
Purpose
Purpose follows a new recruit as they begin life in the police service. The film explores key themes such as fatigue, trauma, and the impact of bureaucracy on wellbeing. Watch Purpose
Meaning
Meaning tells the story of an officer navigating their career, highlighting how mental health challenges can affect both professional life and personal relationships Watch Meaning
Identity
For many, policing is more than a job – it’s part of who you are. Retirement is a big change and navigating it isn’t always easy. That’s what our film Identity explores. Watch Identity
Supporting your own mental health
Oscar Kilo offers practical tools and resources to support the mental health of police officers, helping you build resilience and navigate challenges.
Resilience webinars
Our resilience webinar series is designed to help you face the challenges of the job head-on. You'll gain insights into how to support yourself and your colleagues through difficult times. Access the webinars
Improving your sleep
Fatigue and poor sleep are major challenges in policing. The 2025 National Police Wellbeing Survey found that 55% of respondents experience persistent physical fatigue.
Consistently poor sleep can have a serious impact on mental health. That’s why we’ve teamed up with leading sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock to create a practical toolkit to help officers sleep better.
Get actionable tips to improve your sleep
Mental health support for police officers following a traumatic event
Police officers in the UK are likely to encounter between 400 and 600 traumatic events over the course of their careers — a stark contrast to the average civilian, who may experience just 3 to 4 in a lifetime. Without the right mental health support for police officers, this exposure can take a serious toll on mental health.
Support within your own force
If you’ve been affected by a traumatic event, support is available through your force. Contact your wellbeing team – you’ll find their details on your force intranet.
Self-support techniques after a traumatic incident
This guidance offers practical tips and coping strategies to help you manage your wellbeing in the hours, days, and weeks following a traumatic event. Read the guidance
OK9 Wellbeing dogs
Over recent years, police forces around the country have recognised the value of dogs in helping officers with their wellbeing – there’s science behind it too.
If you’d like to arrange a visit from wellbeing dogs, contact your SPOC within your own force.
External support
In addition to the services offered by Oscar Kilo, there are excellent external organisations providing mental health support for police officers.
Police Care UK
Police Care UK is a charity for serving and veteran police officers and staff, volunteers, and their families who have suffered any physical or psychological harm as a result of policing. It’s independent of the police service, and are funded entirely by donations and fundraising. Police Care UK
Flint House
Flint House is a charity that supports over 3,500 serving and retired police officers each year, providing physical rehabilitation and mental health support. Flint House
The Blue Light Card Foundation
The Blue Light Card Foundation offers a range of support for all those in policing, including mental health resources for police officers. Blue Light Card Foundation