OK9 Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dog Network launched in Wiltshire to support police officers and staff

Wiltshire Police has launched an OK9 Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dog Network to help support the mental health of officers and staff.

Many roles within the Force are demanding and sometimes dangerous, with many officers frequently exposed to trauma. The OK9 initiative aims to provide some light relief from those roles.

OK9 was started by Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, to help to provide light relief from the stress of police work. There are currently over 150 OK9 Wellbeing dogs across the country, with Wiltshire Police’s Wellbeing dogs adding to that already impressive number.

Wellbeing Manager for Wiltshire Police Iain Pettitt said: “Wiltshire Police are committed to supporting the mental health of their officers and staff, and the OK9 Wellbeing & Trauma Support Dog Network is a great way to do this. 

"Spending time with a dog is proven to lower stress and anxiety and can provide some light relief from the stresses of the daily role. The fact that the network is run by volunteers within the Force, offering their own time and dogs, also highlights the commitment our staff have to supporting each other.”

To mark this launch, handlers and their dogs are visiting police stations around the county this week with an OK9 dog van.

All OK9 dogs have been fully tested for suitability and handlers have gone through Peer Support training so are able to provide support for any individuals or teams who book visits with the Wellbeing Dogs.