Hi, I'm Dan. I applied for the 2026 London Marathon Ballot off a whim (whilst at the pub), thinking I didn't stand a chance of being successful. In fact, the only running I ever used to do was the yearly JFRT. So a Marathon will be quite the challenge.

I recently attended Flint House for my own mental wellbeing, joining the programme following continued exposure often experienced by officers on the front line and general life stressors.

Flint House were amazing. Providing understanding, early intervention techniques and coping strategies for conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as signposting to other support schemes. These skills helped, a short time after, we introduced our Pre-term 4lb 4oz little girl who was taken into the Neonatal Intensive Care Ward and the stress of coping with this alongside care of a 3year old big sister.

More Broadly, Mental Health in the police is a huge topic. Police Officers, on average, are estimated to be exposed to between 400-600 traumatic events during their career. In contrast to civilians of 3-4 on average.

There are notably still some perceived stigmas attached, with a lot more work and acceptance still be done. This will give serving and retired officers the skills to help to heal following their public service.

Physical assaults on officers are also at an all time high, some leading to prolonged physical injury. Flint House are determined to equip officers with the necessary rehabilitation and the facilities to start that journey.

So, please, any contribution would be massively appreciated and will help Police Officers up and down the country to heal.

Thank you.

Article from Cambridgeshire University on Police Mental Health:

https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/police-ptsd

Flint House Website:

https://www.flinthouse.co.uk/