Our Blue Light Torch relay tours Merseyside
02.02.17 - Merseyside
Merseyside Police are taking part in the Our Blue Light Mental Health Torch Relay which is visiting different cities throughout the North of England to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Merseyside has been hosting the torch since the 30 April and will continue to take it on a journey of awareness across the region until 7 May.
The torch has been touring police, fire and ambulance stations and offices across Merseyside as well as training academies, Liverpool and Everton Football clubs, Lime Street Station the Radio City tower and the Mersey Ferry. Today, the tour also visited Merseyside's Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy and her team at her offices in Allerton Police Station.
Our Blue Light aims to improve the mental health well-being and working life of emergency and essential services staff including the police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue, prison service and NHS.
Together with colleagues from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Northwest Ambulance Service, British Transport Police and Mersey Tunnels Police, the torch has been on a journey to different locations to help deliver the message.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “I was delighted to welcome the ‘Our Blue Light Mental Health Torch Relay’ to my office in Allerton today as it makes its journey across the North West ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week.
“Blue Light workers do a tough job, often in difficult circumstances. They see and deal with situations that most of us wouldn’t even want to imagine. They run towards danger when the rest of us run away and they work round the clock to keep us safe. They deserve the best possible support and care and this relay is a great way of highlighting that message.
“We all have a part to play in ending the stigma associated with mental health and by taking part in this event I hope we can raise awareness and get people talking.
‘Are you ok?’ is a small question, but it is an important one and it could make all the difference to someone in need.
“I wish everyone involved in the relay the best of luck.”
Superintendent Helen Corcoran said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Our Blue Light Mental Health Torch Relay. The aim is to raise awareness and get our colleagues and the public talking about mental health.
"We want to continue to challenge the stigma around mental health and create a healthy workplace where people know that it’s ok to talk about how they feel and get support when they need it.
"Merseyside Police was recently awarded the Workplace Wellbeing Charter and are working closely with Mind as part of their Blue Light programme which demonstrates our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our workforce.
"It is also important that our staff have a good understanding and awareness of mental health to support our communities.
"Merseyside Police attend a significant number of incidents where individuals may be suffering from mental ill-health. We work closely with our partner agencies to help individuals get the support they need."
Show your support for the relay on social media using the hashtag #OurBlueLight