Victoria Police personnel will now have access to on-the-spot mental health and wellbeing services in the palm of their hand with the launch of a new mobile phone app.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville, Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton and Police Association Secretary Ron Iddles today launched equipt – a mobile app which helps manage the challenges of police work and daily life.
It’s free to download, completely confidential, and features tools and support for all current and former police officers, PSOs, police employees and their families. The app can also be used to plan and implement a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
equipt was developed after a $300,000 joint investment from the Andrews Labor Government, Victoria Police and The Police Association. It is based on expert medical advice and has been developed in close consultation with police personnel.
Today’s launch builds on the important work underway following the Victoria Police Mental Health Review – released in May – which called for cultural change and improvements to mental health support services for our police, PSOs and other employees.
The Labor Government and Victoria Police are working to implement all of the report’s recommendations – with a further $500,000 announced in the Victorian Budget 2016/17 to boost services.
The app is based on advice and strategies from renowned US behavioural scientist Dr Kevin Gilmartin, who has worked closely with Victoria Police personnel and The Police Association.
Users will also be able to identify whether they need additional support and can be linked to other appropriate services. It’s available now for download on Android and iOS operating systems.
Current and former police employees who need support can also contact a 24-hour support line on (03) 9247 3344, or The Police Association on 1800 800 537.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“We have to give our hardworking police, PSOs and other staff the support they need because the trauma of the job sometimes continues well after they have knocked off their shift.”
“The Andrews Labor Government, Victoria Police and The Police Association are working together to implement every recommendation from the Victoria Police Mental Health Review.”
Quote attributable to Secretary of The Police Association Ron Iddles
“Police and PSOs have a tough job – and at times they will need support and assistance to help deal with the pressures the job can bring. The equipt app is a tool that can help in those difficult times.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020