Why it matters: The mobile unit addresses a critical gap in officer welfare, providing essential rest facilities and support for personnel who cannot leave their posts during lengthy deployments.
The big picture: Suffolk Police has recognised the need for better welfare provision after officers faced difficult conditions during extended operations. The specially modified van offers a practical solution to support officer wellbeing without compromising operational requirements.
Chief Constable Kearton said: "It is vital that our people get the right support they need to deliver the service our communities deserve. The welfare support van will play its part in providing respite to officers and staff otherwise isolated on scene guard duties, as well as going on tour, promoting and underlining our continued commitment to wellbeing."
The details: The van, purchased and modified by the Constabulary, provides seating, microwave facilities, wash facilities, food provisions, and a water boiler. Additional sockets allow laptops and mobile phones to be charged, giving officers practical support during long deployments.
The unit can be utilised by officers, staff, and volunteers across Suffolk to support incident response where a warm sheltered space is needed, as well as for proactive wellbeing initiatives.
What they're saying: Vice Chair of the Suffolk Branch, Inspector Matt Paisley, said: "We have all been there in the cold and wet, standing on a scene with little relief, hungry and thirsty. Being able to provide a safe, warm environment for officers to eat, warm-up and re-energise is vital to the welfare of our members, and we are proud to support the initiative."
For context: The Suffolk Police Federation provided sponsorship for the van, viewing it as key to supporting officers across the Force. The initiative builds on previous welfare efforts, including Operation Navette last summer, where the Federation delivered energy drinks, electrolytes and high-energy snacks to operational bases.
What's next: The van has already been tested at recent Ipswich Town football matches and will continue touring to promote health and wellbeing initiatives. Future events will provide officers and staff opportunities to discuss health-related concerns, with appropriate signposting for support.
Suffolk Police Federation representative PC Emma Arthurs-Newman, co-founder of the Cancer Peer Support Group and creator of 'Feels on Wheels', said: "Speaking to officers about their health can really make a difference. Sometimes it's easy to ignore the signs when our bodies tell us something is wrong. Feels on Wheels provides a safe space and opportunity to talk about serious subjects, like cancer, in a non-threatening way, and I look forward to getting on the road with my visual aids to start those conversations."
The bottom line: Suffolk Police's new welfare van represents a practical investment in officer wellbeing, providing essential support during challenging deployments whilst promoting broader health initiatives across the Force.
