The Defence Police Federation funds its member’s membership of the Police Firearms Officers Association. The PFOA is a welfare organization that has many years of experience looking after firearms officers and their families. Below is an outline of the support they offer and how you can access it.
The PFOA has been created to support all those involved in firearms operations, and their families. It is managed by serving and retired police officers with many years’ experience in this field. PFOA offer a unique package of support for officers and their families, which is supported by ACPO Firearms, The Police Federation of England & Wales, The Superintendents Association and the Public and Commercial Services Union. We are a non-political, not for profits Association.
How do I access PFOA Support?
Request for support can be made in several ways:
In person by contacting the PFOA direct on 01354 697890 (Mon-Fri 9-5).
Through your local DPF Representative: (Branch Representative / Area Secretary)
Via Claire Batt – DPF Welfare Officer: welfare1@dpf.org.uk / 07595 568 608
Via Ian Collins – PFOA Force Co-Ordinator: iancollins@pfoa.co.uk
24/7 Crisis Line 0300 131 2789
Developed by Oscar Kilo – The National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS)
The 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line is an independent and confidential service providing immediate support for anyone working in policing experiencing a mental health crisis.
Available 24/7 365 days, the Crisis Line can be accessed by calling the number above.
PFOA: What we do…
- Counselling – all types
- PFOA NLP Coaching
- Physiotherapy
- Financial assistance
- Respite breaks
- Hampers
- Anything that assists an officer or his/her family at a time of need (child care, cleaner, accommodation)
- 24/7 GP Support Line
Each assistance request is considered upon its own merit
What we don’t do
- Provide legal advice/cover
- Provide any misconduct advice or representation
- Provide debt consolidation
- Get involved in the PIM process
What it’s not
A replacement for…
- Group Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Medical insurance
- Home insurance
What support is there?
The PFOA will provide the appropriate support to assist you with your concerns. We can provide the following support services:
- PFOA NLP Coaches
- Counselling
- EMDR – Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- CBT – Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Hypnotherapy – Not for those who have DV status vetting
We will take a view on any request for support, however we do not fund any legal costs, arrange debt consolidation or pay for private medical treatment.
The National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line can be contacted on: 0300 131 2789.
How do I contact a PFOA Coach?
PFOA Coaches will make themselves known to you. If there are no Coaches at the location you work at the PFOA will find the nearest one to you. Coaches are serving officers working shifts, so only contact them direct if you see them at work. Otherwise please call the PFOA office or contact Claire or Ian to arrange Coaching.
NLP Coaching is particularly useful for anxiety, stress, lack of confidence or phobias.
How do I access counselling?
PFOA approved counsellors are situated around the UK. Any request for counselling must go through the PFOA office. This can be requested from you direct or via Claire or Ian.
Counselling is a more long term support process. The PFOA will need to know what the problem is before they can decide on the best form of counselling. We provide EMDR, CBT and hypnotherapy as well as routine counselling. Six sessions will be authorized immediately. Further sessions can be authorized after a written request by the counsellor to the PFOA.
If you receive counselling from the PFOA we will let the DPF know you are receiving this support. We will not discuss with the DPF the reason why you are seeing the counsellor. The PFOA do have a responsibility to both you and the MDP should the counsellor you are seeing consider you are a risk to National Security or a risk to yourself or others. All PFOA counsellors sign an agreement with the PFOA accepting their responsibility.
