Over the last 15 years, the number of officers donating to the Police Children’s Charity has fallen by more than a third. Today, 27,000 officers make the suggested regular donation of just 35 pence per week.
The charity’s CEO, Patrick Cairns, recently discussed the decline in donor numbers with Scotland’s justice and social affairs publication, 1919 Magazine. He mused that new police recruits don’t necessarily give their whole career to policing, might not be thinking about marriage or children, or assume that nothing bad will happen to them.
If, having read this far, you’re wondering what the Police Children’s Charity does, allow us to bring you up to speed.
What the charity provides
The charity aims to support police families by easing the financial pressures of raising children amid life-changing circumstances. These circumstances could involve the death of the police donor parent or their partner, or where the police donor takes early medical retirement. This applies to both on-duty and off-duty incidents or issues.
The charity also provides financial assistance to support the mental health and wellbeing of the children of serving police donors. Around 300 children are supported every year. The help available includes weekly allowances, funding for driving lessons, and assistance with the cost of equipment or activities.
Counselling services
One way the Police Children’s Charity can support families is by funding counselling.
Counselling grants of up to £1,000 per child are available to all beneficiaries and current donors who wish to access counselling to support a young person through a bereavement or difficult time. Families can choose a counsellor who meets their particular needs, and the charity will reimburse the cost of sessions.
This support can be accessed at any time until age 25 and does not need to be used immediately after a specific event.
What you can do
Firstly, check whether you’re a donor. If not, consider supporting the Police Children’s charity. Most of us won’t miss 35p per week, but would all be grateful for the charity’s support, should the worst happen.
Secondly, visit their website to learn more about their work (or for a refresher if you’re already a donor).
Lastly, follow the Police Children’s Charity on Facebook and LinkedIn. Liking and sharing their posts will help them reach more people.
