Lifelines Police

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We’re glad you’re here

Whatever your involvement with the police community in Scotland, these resources are for you. Whether you're a constable or superintendent, work in public protection, control or forensics, in management or a support role, new recruit or retiree, family member or friend.

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Below you'll find out more about our resources, what service staff have said about Lifelines, additional videos and the latest news. There’s also a list of the organisations offering support to the police community.

Thank you for everything you do to take care of your fellow citizens. Please look after yourselves and each other.

Get the support you need

Our resources provide you with information and advice across a wide range of subjects...
If you need to talk to someone now or want to find out more about the support available to you and your family, some organisations specific to Police Scotland are listed below. There are also services you can access via our Find Help page. 

"Even those who feel their resilience is high, it is still important to understand how that is achieved, and the warning signs to look out for when resilience falls"

Police Scotland Staff Member

"I've had a good look at the Lifelines website. Wow! So much valuable information on there. And really well laid out, the short videos are an excellent way to get the message across. Thank you!"

Police Scotland Staff Member

Additional videos and resources

Below are some extra service specific videos and resources that you may find helpful...

Support from other organisations

Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Assistance Programme (HELP) offers an employee counselling service, provided by trained counselling and welfare practitioners. Available to Police Scotland and Scottish Police Authority staff and household family members. For more information, phone 0800 011 6719, 24/7 or visit the website.
Trauma Risk Management (TRiM)
Police Scotland has a network of trained peers to provide support following a traumatic event. You can arrange a session by email – either management or self-referral. Visit the website for full email details.
Scottish Police Federation
The Scottish Police Federation's role is to support the welfare and efficiency of police officers. As well as negotiating pay, conditions and pensions, it provides legal advice, life and other insurances and supports several charities which provide help for Police Officers and their families. For more information, phone 0300 303 0027 or visit the website.
Retired Police Officers' Association - Scotland
The Retired Police Officers' Association, Scotland (RPOAS) seeks to provide a seamless route from Police Service into the ranks of Police veterans. They aim to safeguard members rights and support the wellbeing of them and their families. For more information, visit the website.

RPOAS Transition and Wellbeing

When Police Scotland was created the Executive and Branch officials of RPOAS looked at the best way that they could provide welfare support to their members.  Acknowledging that many informal contacts between retired officers already took place. With financial support from Police Care UK, the ‘Transition and Wellbeing’ strategic plan was launched in 2021 with a vision to deliver a structured and supported system of ‘Transition and Wellbeing’ for all 6,500 members and those entering retirement. The Vision Statement and Strategy can be viewed on  the website.

The RPOAS Transition and Wellbeing Signposter project was launched on 1 September 2021 as part of the strategy and:In partnership with Police Service of Scotland, will provide an Information Pack to every retiring Police OfficerAppointed a Co-ordinator and support Co-ordinator for the programmeIdentified and trained 11 Signposter volunteers spread across the countryIdentified key partners  Trained Signposters are available to retired Police Officers and their family for help and guidance for matters including bereavement; debt/financial advice; legal advice in respect of wills/power of attorney; mental health/loneliness support; addictions, etc. or perhaps even a referral to the Benevolent Fund for financial support for example, to adjust bathrooms. The service is there to help! The referral process is simple and begins by emailing Tracy at RPOAS.

Referrals are not just for RPOAS members. The service is available to Police Officers’ partner/spouse/child/parent too. You can also make a referral on someone’s behalf, with their consent.  

"I referred myself to the Transition and Wellbeing team because of a health issue. I was contacted promptly by a Signposter who not only had been trained for that position but had 10 years of experience with Citizens Advice. The initial contact was by email but that was followed up by a couple of telephone calls and he had those relaxed communication skills that comes from years of working as a police officer. He put me in touch with a group who experience the same issue as me and I gained some very helpful information. In addition, I found that his knowledge, with regard to the availability of government benefits, for my issue and generally, was very current. All in all, very impressed!"
Police Care UK
Police Care UK are the 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. For more information, phone 0300 012 0030 or visit the website.
The Police Treatment Centres
The Police Treatment Centres is a registered charity which provides treatment and support, including intensive, police-specific, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, for injured and ill police officers and retired officers. For more information, phone 01423 504 448 or visit the website.
Financial and practical support
Police Mutual offer financial services, support and debt advice – serving or retired Police Officers, Staff and their families are all eligible. For more information, phone 01543 441 630 or visit the website.

Scottish Police Benevolent Fund is the official charity of the Police Service of Scotland – aims to deliver high quality Benevolent & Welfare services to improve the quality of life of its membership who are in conditions of need. For more information, phone 0300 303 0028 or visit the website.

The Scottish Police Credit Union is a member owned financial services company exclusively serving the law enforcement community in Scotland. For more information, phone 0141 771 1314 or visit the website.
Unison / There for you
Members experiencing financial or emotional difficulties can contact the Unison Welfare Charity, There for You, which provides a confidential advice and support service for members and their dependents. Contact your branch secretary or the Scottish Welfare Committee on 0845 355 0845.
Your Wellbeing Matters
You can find information on the services listed above and much more on the Your Wellbeing Matters pages of the intranet of Police Scotland and Scottish Police Authority.
SEMPER (Supporting Ethnic Minority Police employees for Equality in Race)
SEMPER provides confidential information, advice and support to minority ethnic police officers and police staff on issues affecting them. For more information, phone 0141 207 5809 or visit the website.
Sapper Support
Sapper Support is 24/7 PTSD helpline staffed by veterans and 999 personnel. We give emotional and physical support to sufferers of PTSD and other associated mental health issues. We can also speed up the process of recovery by financing that all important diagnosis.

Call 0800 040 7873 / 0800 040 7783 or text 07860018733.
Scottish LGBTI Police Association
The Scottish LGBTI Police Association is a membership based diversity staff association, representing police officers and police staff within Scotland. The Association provides advice and support services on local and national issues for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. Membership is open to all police officers and staff. For more info or to register please visit the website or email.
Christian Police Association
The Christian Police Association is a National Charity which actively leads on issues relevant to Christians in Policing. The CPA’s founder, Catherine Gurney OBE, also founded the UK's Police Treatment Centres and the CPA offers support to serving and retired staff regardless of a person’s position on the Christian faith.

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