Overview
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/canva-MACyKa3DHjU.jpg)
Step-By-Step
Grief and Loss
What is grief?
Grief is a profound and complex series of mixed emotions that follow the loss of a loved one in your life. It can be someone you loved very deeply, your absolute everything, or someone you knew in your community. It can be expected or unexpected. Either way, it can affect you and your family members, friends, colleagues and the extended community in a range of ways.
Domestic and Family Violence
Women and men frequently conceal the consequences of physical violence by hiding injuries or making excuses for bruises – or worse. It’s a strange kind of loyalty that stops people from telling parents, siblings or anyone about what’s happening "behind closed doors".
Carers Support and Wellbeing, Quest for Life resources
Are you an exhausted career?
KEEP HEALTHY AND ACTIVE
Exercise regularly – 20 minutes daily will help you sustain the physical demands of caring and provide a break from your daily activities
Eat regular, healthy meals to fuel the strength and stamina you need for caring
Get enough sleep – tiredness and exhaustion increase the stress of caring
Look after your back – if you need to lift the person you’re caring for, get professional advice on the safest way to do so. Is there equipment that can help?
Talk to your GP about your caring role and the demands it makes on you.
Content for family support
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ACT-Curious-1-300x107.jpg)
ACT Curious
Since 2007 ACT Curious has changed the lives of thousands of Australians through Employee Assistance Programs and therapeutic counselling grounded in evidence based practices.
We have the depth and breadth of experienced therapists who specialise in treating vicarious trauma, PTSD, relationship issues and many other issues. We listen to you and we match you with a therapist who specialises in your area of need which includes police and their family members.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/addictions-300x149.jpg)
Addictions
Addictions are formed when substances or behaviours become unhealthy and start to impact function levels.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo-AFP-Legacy.png)
AFP Legacy
Police Legacy provide professional and compassionate support to families who have suffered a loss through the provision of benefits and services. Children who have lost a parent may benefit from camps, scholarships, trust funds and regular social engagement which is also extended to partners and parents. Each jurisdiction has independent services which may differ from state to state.
![AFPA](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AFPA.png)
AFPA: The Australian Federal Police Association
All Australian Police jurisdictions have Police Unions who provide Industrial Relations, Financial and in some state’s welfare and mental health support and services. Assistance for issues relating to workers compensation, legal matters, necessitous circumstances, and career transition may also be available through your state union. Associate membership for former officers is another way to stay connected to support and services post policing.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AA-logo-300x101.png)
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcohol Anonymous is based on one alcoholic helping another and offers solutions to dealing with alcohol addiction.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AMC-1-300x246.png)
AMC Change Factor (S.A and online nationally)
AMC provides a multidisciplinary holistic approach to supplying services such as mental health management via counselling and case management for individuals, families and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, stress management, grief and loss, problem solving, alcohol and drugs and dealing with conflict. Youth Mental Health Services are also available.
![Solhouette of person looking out window](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/anxiety-300x200.jpg)
Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to a threat or perceived threat when fear, worries, concerns and apprehension about the future occupies the mind along with physical changes such as a pounding heart, or shortness of breath
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/afp-logo-300x152.jpg)
Australian Federal Police
Each individual state police jurisdictions will have mental health services for serving police which should include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with other specific services. This may include EAP for transitioning police, former police up to 12 months and services for families. Career Transition services may also be included in some jurisdictions as moving into a new career after serving in the police force impacts mental health outcomes.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AFPFMA-logo-new2-1-300x300.png)
Australian Federal Police Former Members Association Inc
Staying connected to the police family by joining your local retired and former police association may be helpful in maintaining social connection and positive mental health outcomes. Each state jurisdiction has a retired and former police association where regular monthly meetings and social events assist with staying in touch with former colleagues.
Bank Vic
We're about people before profits. We're 100% owned by our members and all profits are reinvested into our business or the communities we're part of.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/beach-300x171.png)
BeachShack Breathing - Yoga and Breath Practice for Serving and Former Police Based in Wollongong NSW
Kate Kilby is a former police officer and yoga teacher based in Wollongong, NSW offering breathing and yoga practice to assist serving and former police to find peace, recovery and hope.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/benevolent-logo-300x61.png)
Benevolent society
At The Benevolent Society, we put people first and work together as one to meet our vision of a just society where all Australians can live their best life.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/beyond-the-badge-logo-1.png)
Beyond the Badge Career Transition Program
An independent culturally aware career transition program with corporate partners who support first responders through the transition process. Based in NSW, programs are funded by corporate sponsors to allow serving or former police to attend without the worry of financial burden. Programs generally run for 3 days and cover transferable skills, resume, networking, navigating job platforms and the application and interview process.
![](https://policecareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Bluespace-300x44.png)
Blue Space (Victoria)
Mental health, resilience, relationship, and wellbeing information via website resources for Victorian Police employees, families, and friends.