Wiltshire Police has introduced the OK9 Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dog Network, an initiative aimed at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its officers and staff.
Recognizing the demands and trauma associated with policing roles, the OK9 initiative, started by Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, provides a novel approach to stress relief by incorporating the therapeutic benefits of spending time with dogs.
Supporting Mental Health
The program brings Wiltshire Police in line with other forces across the country, joining a network of over 150 OK9 Wellbeing Dogs. These specially trained dogs offer emotional support to officers and staff facing the daily pressures of policing.
Iain Pettitt, Wellbeing Manager for Wiltshire Police, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative:
“Wiltshire Police are committed to supporting the mental health of their officers and staff, and the OK9 Wellbeing & Trauma Support Dog Network is a great way to do this. Spending time with a dog is proven to lower stress and anxiety, providing light relief from the stresses of daily roles.”
He added: “The fact that the network is run by volunteers within the Force, offering their own time and dogs, also highlights the commitment our staff have to supporting each other.”
Launch and Engagement
To celebrate the launch, handlers and their dogs are touring police stations across the county this week in a dedicated OK9 dog van. These visits aim to introduce the initiative to staff and encourage engagement.
Each OK9 dog has undergone thorough testing to ensure suitability for the role, and their handlers have completed Peer Support training, equipping them to offer emotional support to individuals and teams. Staff and officers can book visits with the Wellbeing Dogs as needed.
Proven Benefits
Studies show that interactions with dogs can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, making them an ideal addition to a high-pressure environment like policing. The initiative seeks to bolster resilience among officers and staff, enhancing their capacity to handle challenging situations.
The introduction of the OK9 Wellbeing Network marks a significant step forward in Wiltshire Police’s commitment to prioritizing mental health and fostering a supportive workplace environment.
