The chair of Northumbria Police Federation has welcomed a landmark agreement by chief constables to introduce mandatory recording of suicides and attempted suicides among police officers.
Nick Munnelly has described it as a crucial step in addressing a long-standing issue within policing.
The move follows the inquest into the death of Sussex Police Sergeant Ben Websdale, which has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability around mental health across the service.
Nick said the agreement marks real progress but stressed that practical support for officers must sit alongside improved data and understanding.
“This is an important step forward,” he said, adding: “For too long, we haven’t had a clear picture of the scale of this issue, and without that, it’s been much harder to drive the change our members need.
“But this cannot just be about recording numbers – it has to be about making sure officers get the right support at the right time.”
In Northumbria, that support has been strengthened with the launch of the Stay Alive app – an initiative Nick has been key in bringing to the Force.
The app, developed by an independent charity, Grassroots Suicide Prevention, provides immediate resources for those in crisis, as well as guidance for colleagues who are supporting others struggling with their mental health.
Confidential
It is a confidential app packed with useful information and tools to help people stay safe during a time of crisis. People can use it if they are having thoughts of suicide or if they have concerns about someone else’s wellbeing.
Following discussions with the Chief Constable, the app has now been rolled out across Northumbria Police and is available on force-issued mobile devices, where it will automatically appear for officers.
Nick said he had made introducing the app a key priority, initiating discussions with the Force after recognising its value as a practical, accessible tool for officers.
“Stay Alive is an excellent resource,” he said. “It’s there for officers who may be in crisis themselves, but also for those who want to support a colleague who might be struggling.
“Ensuring that the Stay Alive app is accessible for our members is something I’m extremely passionate about, and I’ve been working hard with the Force to make this happen,” said Nick.
Support
“Our members need support that is not only available to them at the touch of a button, but easy to access in the moments it’s needed most.”
Nick added that combining meaningful data with accessible frontline support is key to improving officer wellbeing.
“We know policing can expose people to significant trauma, and without the right support, that can have a lasting impact,” he said.
“Mandatory recording will help us better understand the pressures officers face, but initiatives like the Stay Alive app are just as important – they give people immediate tools to seek help or help others.
“This is a positive step, but we must continue building on this momentum to ensure every officer feels supported, protected and able to speak up.”
As well as accessing the Stay Alive app, other mental health help or immediate support organisations include:
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Oscar Kilo’s Mental Health Crisis Line: 0300 131 2789
READ MORE: 20th Anniversary tributes for fallen Northumbria officer.