We are excited to launch this film and package, which has been developed to be used by police forces across the country as a way to create awareness, spark debate and self-reflection.
It’s a short but powerful film based on real-life experiences of working police officers and has been developed by a team of people who are all experienced in policing.
Interviews were carried out with a range of officers, psychologists and experts to establish a broad view of the challenges faced by officers and staff. The themes are also reflective of the issues identified through our national police wellbeing surveys.
It also touches on some of the themes of the Police Covenant including the importance of peer support and the impact of the job on the families of officers and staff too.
The story follows a new recruit ‘Alfie’ as he begins his career as an officer. The focus starts on his background and childhood, before picking up on key themes such as fatigue, trauma exposure, bureaucracy, and the importance of line management. It also brings in other day-to-day challenges that aren’t necessarily connected to work but can also take their toll.
Service Director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, Andy Rhodes said; “This film is entitled ‘Purpose’ because there’s a reason why most people join the police. Policing can be very much linked to our experiences, and what we’re searching for in our careers is often about wanting to be connected to something that’s important and full of purpose.
“We have worked with a psychotherapist and trainer who has vast experience of working in policing to top and tail the film to guide our thinking and help break down what you see into some helpful themes.
“It is intended to help people watching think about what’s going on in their own lives and hopefully help them spot any warning signs early, because quite often we will normalise these things and don’t see that cumulatively, they are starting to have an impact on us.
“We want individual officers and staff to be more self-aware, and for line managers and leaders to use it as a way to re-connect with some of the issues that their staff may be facing on a day-to-day basis.”
This resource is intended to act as a platform to encourage officers and staff not only to be more self-aware but also encourage thinking and discussion on how systems and processes could work better to support officers and staff and provide an opportunity for signposting and support.
You can watch the trailer to the film using the button below
Chris Godwin, Director from Inner Eye Productions said; “The chief metaphor in the film is a dripping tap – this is inspired by the research which revealed the drip, drip effect of the work on the emotional wellbeing of officers. It strikes me the greatest asset the Police has to combat this effect is the culture of togetherness and comradery – something which was evident in every officer I spoke to for this film”.
Alexis Powell-Howard, Director of Fortis Therapy and Training said; “Purpose reflects the challenges officers can have when joining the police, and having worked with experienced officers, I know they will relate to Alfie’s story and experiences too.
“The physical and emotional challenges officers face can lead to disconnecting from the reasons they were drawn to joining the police in the first instance. Reconnecting with these drivers is important to keep connected to their purpose and values.
“The film uses subtle, impactful ways to communicate the nuances of the emotional responses Alfie is having, and how he is affected when at work, but also the ripple effect at home.”