Well-being / Mental Health Articles & Resources
Navigating Addiction Recovery While Managing Chronic Pain as a Veteran
The Mental Health Continuum
Mental Health Awareness for the Security Industry
An overview of the Safer Minds initiative, which calls on UK security providers to embed mental health awareness into their induction packs and staff training. Practical and directly relevant for employers, team leaders and HR professionals in the security sector.
Into the Cloud
Treating Trauma
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in the Security Profession
Tackling Burnout in the High-Stakes World of Security
A 2025 article from ASIS Security Management Magazine exploring the causes and scale of burnout among security professionals — drawing on SIA data showing over a third of UK security officers report high stress levels, often feeling undervalued. Covers practical strategies for individuals and organisations to identify and address burnout before it escalates.
ASIS Security Management Magazine, 2025
Is Mental Health an Invisible Problem in the Security Industry?
An accessible piece exploring why mental health remains under-discussed in the security sector — covering stigma, lone working, unsociable hours, and the perceived expectation of toughness that can stop security professionals from seeking help.
How to look after your mental health following crises
Mental Health for security personnel
Employers’ Duty of Care to support PTSD
PTSD: The Definitive Guide
The UK’s Leading Charity for Veteran’s Mental Health
Security Officer as first responder … it’s so much more than just boots on the ground
17 Anger Management Techniques For Stressful Occupations
BBC Headroom – Mental Health Toolkit
Suicide prevention: WAIT
- WAIT Poster please use
- WAIT Graphic please use
My Whole Self – Join the campaign for workplace culture change
‘The old idea that suicide is a middle-aged man’s problem is gone’
- Not security related but relevant.
Tips for talking about mental health with workers – from IOSH
Mental Health information from The World Bank
60% of SMEs say offering health and wellbeing benefits to staff boosts productivity at work
Self-harm warning signs can appear decade earlier
Samaritans relaunches ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign
Mindful Employer –
- 10 step toolkit for employers
- Useful contacts and further reading for employees
- Useful contacts and further reading for managers
5 Signs of Depression You Shouldn’t Ignore
6 Thought Exercises to Improve Your Mental Health
Every Mind Matters – advice from the NHS
Mental Health at Christmas: Some Tips for Coping
TRAUMA AWARENESS TRAINING FOR EVERYONE (TATE)
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA England)
MHFA England is the national authority on workplace Mental Health First Aid. Their two-day accredited course trains individuals to spot the signs of poor mental health, start a supportive conversation, and signpost colleagues to the right help — just as a physical first aider would. MHFA England is actively campaigning for a legal requirement for trained Mental Health First Aiders in every UK workplace. If you’re a security employer or manager, this is one of the most impactful steps you can take. mhfaengland.org
Wellbeing / Mental Health Support Organisations
NHS – Get support from a mental health charity
CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. CALM exists to change this. Join the campaign to take a stand against suicide.
PTSD Resolution
PTSD Resolution is a charity that helps Veterans, Reservists and Families who are struggling to reintegrate into a normal work & family life because of trauma suffered during service in the armed forces. They have a range of merchandise available in their online shop for you to show your support.
Strongmen
Our aim is to help men tackle the mental, emotional and physical health conditions brought about by bereavement
Mind
We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Samaritans Call 116 123
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Heads Together
Heads Together is a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which combines a campaign to tackle stigma and change the conversation on mental health with fundraising for a series of innovative new mental health services.
All Call Signs
All Call Signs is an award-winning peer support organisation for veterans and serving military personnel. Our chat app is manned by over 700 volunteer listeners with experience of life in uniform and our digital caseworkers bridge the gaps in veteran’s mental health services for hundreds of users seeking help
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. And we’re not going anywhere.
Download your free My Whole Self toolkit.
Shout 85258
Shout is the UK’s first free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in crisis. If you’re struggling and need to talk — but can’t make a phone call — text SHOUT to 85258. Trained volunteers are available around the clock. Free from all UK mobile networks, including pay-as-you-go.
The UK’s largest mental health support database, brought together in one place by the charity Chasing the Stigma. Search by postcode to find local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health services near you. Free to use on desktop, iOS and Android.
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity. Their SANEline provides specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness — including family members and carers. Available every day 4pm–10pm on 0300 304 7000. Also offers a Textcare one-way messaging support service.
Anxiety UK
A national user-led charity providing personalised support for people living with anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression. Offers access to approved therapists, a self-care infoline available 24/7 on 03444 775 774, the Anxia® app, and online resources. Particularly relevant for security professionals dealing with the pressures of lone working and high-alert environments.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness provides life-changing services and support to people severely affected by mental illness, including housing, employment support, and peer groups. Their free Advice and Information Service covers the Mental Health Act, benefits, carers’ rights and much more.
Combat Stress
The UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity, providing specialist clinical treatment and welfare support for veterans experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety and other conditions connected to their military service. A large proportion of UK security professionals come from a forces background — Combat Stress offers real, specialist help. Free 24-hour helpline: 0800 138 1619.
SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity
SSAFA has been providing practical, financial and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans and their families for over 130 years. Their confidential Forcesline service (0800 260 6780, free, 24/7 answerphone with callback) offers support with mental health challenges, stress, finances and housing. Relevant for the many security professionals who have served in the armed forces.
Social Media Victims Law Center (SMVLC)
Raising awareness about the harmful effects social media can have—especially on younger generations
Administered by the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Charitable Trust, the Security Benevolent Fund provides welfare, legal and health-related support for current and former employees in the UK security sector. If you — or someone you know — is facing financial hardship, an urgent medical need or a personal crisis, the Fund may be able to help.
An umbrella charity working across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to improve support and understanding for people affected by mental illness. Their Into Work hub includes practical in-work resources for both employees and employers — covering wellness, peer support, and mental health at work.
Training and Education Resources Counselling
Gain a clear understanding of the meaning of mental health and wellbeing and how they relate to the specific role of the security officer. Authored exclusively for IFPO by Dr Anne Llywellyn of Nuology.
More details are here
