Malvern House |  13 Green Lane |  Tuebrook |  Liverpool |  L13 7DT     
t: 0151 259 2535      |       e: reception@merseyside.polfed.org    

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Merseyside Police Federation
Important Message to members


Colleagues,

As developments here in Merseyside and across the country continue to evolve at an ever increasing pace, we are aware that this is a really stressful time in so many ways for our members and their families. We are trying to maintain business as usual via both office based and some staff remote working, however please be advised that in the short term there may be some delays in responding to emails and other telephone enquiries, but we will respond to you as quickly as we can.

Contact us on 0151 259 2535
Email at reception@merseyside.polfed.org
Website at www.merpolfed.org.uk for the latest updates
Your workplace Federation Rep details are available via Iforce

We are aware that a significant number of members either reside with or have caring responsibilities for those who the government have described as 'at risk', this may cause anxiety surrounding these responsibilities which should be discussed with your line manager. This is not to mention the members who themselves are in the 'at risk' category. We can't emphasise enough the importance of highlighting any underlying health conditions to your line managers or the Occupational Health Unit, so that individual risk assessments can be completed if necessary.

As you are all aware, this situation is still changing by the day. During this period and beyond, a number of officers may have financial, mental health and family concerns to name but a few. Even though the North West Police Benevolent Fund and Police Treatment Centre have closed their centres and suspended any further bookings, the majority of services we provide are still available and operating.

The most important ones are:

Kinsella Clarke: providing members of the group insurance scheme assistance with financial difficulty and debt advice. Contact them on 0151 933 3400.

RedArc - confidential Nurse led service, providing support for members of the group insurance scheme, (and their families) suffering from a serious health condition and those who require mental health support. Contact them on 01244 625 180

Harvey Howell Solicitors - providing all members with advice and guidance on wills, powers of attorney, and trusts. Contact them via 0151 928 8597

Police Federation Welfare Support Programme
Available (via your local Fed) to members, details via below link: https://www.polfed.org/our-work/welfare-support-programme-wsp/

Other services that are available are

Family Law:
Slater and Gordon: goeorgina.chase@slatergordon.co.uk
Mcallister Law: 0161 507 7118
Harvey Howell: 07967610751
Gorvins: 0161 930 5270

General financial advice (other than debt)
Phillip Pearson (Willson Grange)
07779 325803

Mortgage advice
Exchange Wealth Management Mortgages
Ian Ward on 0151 632 1718

We would advise members to follow the Government and Public Health England (PHE) guidance on the Covid-19 outbreak, this includes having minimal social contact, for example avoiding crowded areas or places such as theatres, bars and restaurants, where possible, avoiding public transport or using public transport at times when it is less crowded, where roles allow, working from home as much as possible and ensuring good basic hygiene, particularly around regular washing of hands and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.

Clearly, the role of a police officer means that we cannot always take the same precautions as some others in society. However, there are some practical steps we might be able to take to minimise the risk to ourselves and colleagues, these include:
  • You should maintain good hand hygiene and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water;
  • Keep fingernails short;
  • Where possible, keep sleeves rolled up to avoid making unnecessary contact with surfaces;
  • Wash your hands as soon as returning to the police station and as soon as you return home;
  • Keep your mobile phone, desk, keyboard and other equipment clean;
  • If you have the relevant symptoms, report them immediately and follow the advice around self-isolating.

The guidance to first responders from Public Health England can be found here: PHE Guidance as a reminder. There is also dedicated Covid-19 information on Merseyside Police Iforce and a coronavirus Q&A facility.

Please look after yourselves and each other

Tony

Tony Fairclough
Chairman
Merseyside Police Federation