Every year Greater Manchester Police supports a nominated charity, and this October they sponsored an event on behalf of the Windmill Fundraising Campaign at the Hough End Conference Centre.
Proceeds from the event were divided between the Christie Cancer Hospital and Research into Spinal Cancers Dept. of Neurosurgery at Salford Royal Infirmary.
The charity has a special place in the heart of GMP as a senior police officer had been cared for by these agencies when diagnosed with secondary spinal cancer.
The leadership conference was entitled ‘Stay Fit, Stay Well’ and attendees were treated to a programme of high profile speakers extolling the benefits of activity and fitness to improve both mental and physical health – particularly for those in leadership roles.
Lynne Potts, MBE, Assistant Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Police introduced the speakers who ranged from experts in the sports arena to those who had suffered serious stress and trauma in their line of duty.
PC Joanne Shaw delivered a moving talk on her experience in recovering from serious assault, while John Sutherland (former Chief Superintendent, Metropolitan Police) told of his major breakdown that he describes in his autobiography, Blue, keeping the peace and falling to pieces.
Ian Hopkins, QPM, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police gave vivid personal examples of the stressors involved in leadership roles in the police force and told how running has helped keep things in perspective (he ran a 10k marathon earlier this year).
The message of the conference was ‘keep well through activity and optimism’.
Regular physical activity plays a vital part in mental health and wellbeing, and is crucial for the welfare of police officers facing stress and trauma in their daily working lives.
CiC offers support to police forces throughout the UK, and will always ensure that staff at all levels have access to wellness resources.