Security Minds Matter, a new initiative from the private security industry and supported by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), has been launched to promote the importance of good mental health and wellbeing in the sector.
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:
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 wellbeing.”
Mr Hurst added: “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:
“The Security Minds Matter project 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,” explained Hurst.
Security Minds Matter has its own website and can be followed on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Supporters are encouraged to use the hashtag #SecurityMindsMatter to help raise awareness of this project when sharing relevant news and content.
