Lincolnshire Police bring in fitness mentors to boost staff wellbeing

Lincolnshire Police are bringing in fitness mentors as part of a project to support the wellbeing of their staff.

The project, which is based on a similar scheme run by City of London Police, equips staff with ways to deal with the mentally and physically difficult challenges they face in their day to day work.

It aims to promote the benefits of exercise and diet with mentors providing police officers and support staff with tailored advice on how to get fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Introducing the project at Police Headquarters in Nettleham, Chief Constable Bill Skelly said: “Wellbeing has always been high on my agenda and so I am delighted to be taking this to the next level with the introduction of fitness mentors.

“It’s not just about our people; it’s about the service we deliver. If we have people who feel good about themselves, they are going to deliver a good service.”

The mentors are volunteer officers and staff from within Lincolnshire Police force. These officers undertake the role in addition to their current job. As part of the programme, they work towards a level three certificate in training which will be delivered by YMCA Lincolnshire.

As members of existing staff, the mentors understand the stresses of the job and how working for a police force can actually impact on the ability to stay fit and healthy. Examples include working shifts, interrupted sleeping patterns, a complicated work-life balance and an increased draw to convenience foods.

Inspector Jez Kumar, one of the five new mentors, spoke of the importance of personal wellbeing when working in a difficult job.

He said: “It’s really great to have been selected to become one of the fitness mentors.

“As a police officer I have worked with, and managed a number different of teams, often working long hours and under difficult circumstances.  I therefore really appreciate the importance of looking after the health and wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“Helping officers and staff improve and maintain their levels of fitness will also directly affect their ability to make a positive impact on the public we serve in Lincolnshire.”