Nobody else helps cops like Police Care UK helps them with the effects of the job
Garry’s story:
Helping people was the motivation for police sergeant Garry Smith to join the force and so it was to join Police Care UK.
Little did he know that when he eventually responded to an email asking him to volunteer for the Charity, he would still be helping us seven years on.
It’s the thought of officers suffering the physical and psychological scars of service – and the support not being readily available – that keeps him referring colleagues to us for assistance – and giving back to Police Care UK.
“Officers come to Police Care UK in their time of need, if they’ve been injured or they’re suffering with trauma as a result of their job. Anything I can do to help is a bonus,” says Garry.
“The charity is a great one that covers all the boxes for work-related injury or harm on duty. Injury on duty matters, whether it be physical harm or through mental health, and Police Care UK is close to our hearts as officers.
“You know full well that if an officer gets seriously injured, suffers with their mental health or dies, it affects so many people.
“Nobody else helps cops like Police Care UK helps them with the effects of the job.”
Garry, who has 27 years of service under his belt, has attended police conferences; awareness events and trade shows the length and breadth of the country during his time volunteering.
The 49-year-old has been with Police Care UK long enough to know we were known as The Police Dependents’ Trust prior to our rebranding in 2019.
As a serving officer nearing retirement, Garry remains in regular contact with officers and staff, and their families, who have been impacted by their policing role. And it is his sense of service – and justice – that has served him well.
“I like to help people and I hate people suffering as a result of doing their job,” he adds.
“Whether it be a paramedic, a fisherman, a police officer. Why should they be suffering as a result of serving the public?
“I’m happy to do anything I can do in my role as a volunteer, a supervisor, a police sergeant or in my role with the Federation supporting officers.
“You get a warm feeling from knowing you’re doing some good and you’re helping somebody. It keeps you giving back.
“It’s really nice to have been on that journey with Police Care UK; nice to know that I’ve been 0.01 per cent of their success and nice to able to help.”
Volunteering for Police Care UK is good for me and good for my wellbeing
Phil’s story
An officer who policed the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 is now volunteering for Police Care UK as a thank you for the help he received from us.
Greater Manchester Police officer Phil Dusczcyk, who has 10-year service under his belt, was on scene at the Arena in the days after the atrocity that claimed 22 lives.
The Rochdale-based 35-year-old has since overcome Complex-PTSD with the help of specialist trauma therapy from Police Care UK after being referred to us by his therapist.
And his experience has inspired him to help ensure others have support when they need it the most.
“I wasn’t first on scene at the bombings, but it is a place I know well so could easily picture what it must have been like,” he said.
“I’ve seen hangings and there have been a few occasions where I’ve given CPR, but it hasn’t been successful. It takes a toll.
“My therapist, who I was seeing for an unrelated issue, felt I was displaying symptoms of PTSD and put me in touch with Police Care UK.
He added: “When I was at my worst it didn’t feel like there was that support at work. It felt quite isolating and it was quite a lonely place to be.
“I don’t ever want to see people in the place where I was and want to make sure people know there is help available and how they can access that help.
“I’ve got lived experienced of Complex PTSD and, as such, I’m extremely passionate about helping people who are going through it.”
Police Care UK provide specialist trauma therapy and financial assistance to those serving or veteran officers, staff and their families who have suffered physical or psychological harm in their policing role.
Phil has been volunteering for the Charity for the past seven months and has attended a number of police wellbeing events and conferences on its behalf.
And he believes the feel good factor of knowing he has helped others in some small way plays a key role in maintaining his own mental health.
“Volunteering for Police Care UK is good for me and good for my wellbeing,” he added.
“Having been in a place where help wasn’t available, it gives you a good feeling to know you’re raising awareness of the support networks that are there.
“I’m in the best place I’ve ever been thanks for Police Care UK, and it feels great knowing I’m able to give something back.”
