OPINION By Stuart Fletcher
I want to start this column by providing an overview of ongoing work we are carrying out to deter youth related criminal activity in the Scottish Borders, by empowering our young people to speak out if they witness or experience crime within their peer groups, without fearing any repercussions.
On Monday, April 29, Inspector Robbie Noble and PC Bruce Anderson presented the Fearless presentation at Borders College.
The session focussed on equipping practitioners with more information about the Fearless charity and their unique reporting service, which allows young people to speak up about crime 100 per cent anonymously.
Those in attendance for the presentation were given an overview of the free resources available to the, allowing them to fully embed Fearless objectives into their practices and any engagement they have with youths.
Now that we are in May, we are looking ahead to supporting Mental Health Awareness week, which runs from Monday, 13, until Sunday, May 19.
Policing is a relentless, but rewarding vocation, which places significant demand on physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing and sees our officers and staff exposed on a daily basis to some of life’s most challenging situations. Keeping our people safe in Police Scotland extends beyond the physical – it’s an overarching ethos that also embraces mental wellbeing.
As such, Mental Health Awareness Week provides us with the perfect opportunity to really consider our own mental health and the wellbeing of officers and staff, while at the same time, tackling stigma, and working to create a society that prevents mental health problems from developing.
As an organisation we are committed to signposting our officers to all relevant asthe
sistance available to them if they are experiencing mental health crisis and I am a strong advocate for ensuring we support our personnel however best we can and whenever we can.
With Mental Health Awareness Week coming up, I implore others to consider their own mental health if they are currently experiencing any difficulties, then please seek help.
Remember, it’s ok to not be ok.
In finishing this week’s column, I am looking ahead to the upcoming Jim Clark Rally, which will take place in and around Duns over the weekend of May 26-28.
This event is hugely popular with motorsports enthusiasts and brings a lot of visitors to the region – either to participate or watch, and so it’s essential that everyone does their part to keep safe.
There will numerous closed roads for the rally and it’s important residents and visitors alike familiarise themselves with these to know where they can and cannot travel through or park within throughout the event. Spectators will also be able to get very close to the action but must adhere to all safety instructions provided and only go to areas identified as safe by the marshals on duty. Have a great time but stay safe.