Security Minds Matter is a project aimed at everyone working in the private security industry, in particular employers who have a duty of care for their staff.
The project aims to:
- Share best practice on mental health and well-being
- Signpost individuals and employers to additional support
- Provide resources such as toolkits and guidance
- Stimulate conversation and debate on this important issue
Mike Hurst, IFPO Director and Chair of the project said:
“The private security industry plays an important role in keeping the public safe. It is well documented that security operatives as part of their daily duties often experience verbal abuse, violent assaults and in some extreme cases some have been killed while carrying out their role.
“The negative impact of these experiences on the mental health and wellbeing of security operatives cannot be underestimated. We are very much aware of the high numbers of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PSTD) among operatives in the industry. This initiative is about helping industry professionals support their teams. We want everyone to be involved in promoting best practice that supports good mental health and well-being.”
MrHurstadded:
“We have been working closely with the SIA to develop #SecurityMindsMatter and we are grateful for the encouragement that Chief Executive, Michelle Russell, and her team have given us from the outset.
“We are excited to have the support of the following people who provided invaluable contributions to our inaugural #SecurityMindsMatter workshop earlier this year to establish our plans for this project:
Chair – Mike Hurst CPP CPOI . International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) Director
Chris Middleton CSyP – ABM Security, Director
Dr Anne Llewellyn – Nu-ology, e-Learning specialist and formerly Registered General Nurse,
Mike Thomson – Ex Detective and qualified Counsellor
Yolanda Hambleton – Virgin Media, Head of Security Operations
Lynn Watts-Plumpkin –SSAIB, Scheme Manager
Mike White – G4S, Head of Risk Compliance and Assurance
Nicholas Reed – Suntory GB&I, Risk Manager
#SecurityMindsMatter will work with industry and specialists to deliver tangible, quantifiable outcomes. We are still in the early stages and will publish our plans shortly. In the meantime, we are keen to engage with individuals, membership organisations, employers, and other parties as we progress and create many opportunities to get involved”.
Security Minds Matter has its own website www.securitymindsmatter.org and can be followed on Twitter and LinkedIn. Visitors are encouraged to use the hashtag #SecurityMindsMatter to help raise awareness of this project when sharing relevant news and content.
