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Overview
It’s important for police families to stay engaged and seek support via peer to peer groups or through services and resources. Partners of police can often find friendship and understanding from each other especially in difficult times or when partners are away or working extended hours. Children of police will also benefit from social activities with other police families where they can enjoy friendships and activities.
Your local area command may have information about family days and events or groups operating in your local area. There are also a number of links via this site to guide you to groups or resources.
If there are no relevant services in your area perhaps think about starting a police family social group where you can catch up with partners or with the extended family. Closed Facebook groups or pages are easy to administer and can be a great way to find police families in your area. Locating at least two to three interested parties to assist with administration is often a great way to develop a Facebook page or group which facilitates a conversation, provides helpful links and suggestions as well as advertise social events.
For former officers joining your local retired and former police association will open up social engagement for both the former officer and their partner as most associations hold regular monthly meetings, social outings, welfare services and fund raisers.
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.
Helpful Links
Content for family support
17 Nov 2021
Carers Australia
Carers Australia is the National Peak body advocating, supporting and providing services and resources for people filling roles as unpaid carers including programs across Australia. These programs and services are applicable to carers looking after the needs of loved ones with both physical and mental disabilities.
03 Apr 2022
Children of Parents With a Mental Illness (COPMI)
Resources and services for parents and the children of parents with a mental illness. Tips and resources on how to parent with a mental illness and understanding your health needs with links to online forums, services and supports and a community services directory.
26 Jun 2024
Code 9 Foundation
Code 9 is a peer-to-peer support group run by volunteers assisting serving and former police and their families who are living with mental health challenges.
06 May 2022
Depression
Depression is commonly experienced when prolonged and intense feelings of sadness, low mood and energy levels persists for more than 2 weeks, and it becomes difficult to function when attending to usual daily tasks.
14 Jun 2022
Doing it Tough
Doing it Tough? makes it easier for men to find what they are looking for – whether services,
resources and other support in their local community, or in extended networks, or via preferred
organisations. Individuals are able to search the platform via various filters that fit their needs
including cultural, location, age, and industry profiles.
20 Aug 2024
Due South
Due South is a free wellness initiative for veterans and first responders, providing a unique space to recharge, reconnect, and focus on wellbeing in tranquil, natural settings in Tasmania.
03 Apr 2022
Eagles Rest
Located on a 230-acre property near Yass NSW, Eagles Rest supports Police, Emergency Services and Defence as well as their families to rest, reflect and restore in a retreat environment away from the pressures of society and workplace burnout. Cost is by way of donation as well as covering basic needs. Activities include, bush walking, low and high ropes, team building and flying fox.
20 Aug 2024
Everymind
Everymind is a leading institute dedicated to the prevention of mental ill-health and suicide. Everymind runs several programs which may be helpful for serving and former police, and their families and friends including;
Minds Together is for partners, spouses, family members, friends and colleagues who support someone experiencing mental health concerns or suicidal distress in Australia. Our programs and resources will help you support your family member or friend and will also help you look after yourself so you can be there for them. Visit the Minds Together portal
30 Mar 2022
Family breakdown and distress
Police Families are integral in supporting their loved one working in policing environments however police work may take a toll on the family unit.
03 Apr 2022
Head to Health
Digital mental health services provided by the Australian Department of Health focusing on apps, online programs, online forums and phone services for people seeking mental health information for themselves or for someone they love.
17 Nov 2021
Injured Workers Support
Injured workers support provides Australia wide information and resources to people injured in the workplace. Resources include, your rights, workers compensation handbooks, networks and support services, fact sheets and useful links.
21 Oct 2021
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a confidential and free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people and children from the ages of 5 to 25 which aims to keep young people free from harm. Website Information on safety for children and parents resources provide support when emotional help is needed at any critical moment.
17 Nov 2021
Kookaburra Kids Foundation
Kookaburra Kids provides resources, programs, activity days, connectivity and statewide residential camps for children living in families impacted by mental illness. Children learn about mental illness via chat groups, connecting with others experiencing similar commonalities and participating in fun activities.
21 Oct 2021
Lifeline Australia
Lifeline provides 24/7 telephone crises and suicide prevention support to people feeling isolated, worried, anxious or having a difficult time. Information and support is also available for friends or loved ones with concerns about how to talk to or support someone in crises or who might be at risk of self-harm. Chat and text services are also available between 12pm and 6am daily with downloadable resources available via their website.
