(St. John’s, NL), October 8, 2020 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) are recognizing Mental Illness Awareness Week 2020 with the theme, ‘There is no health without mental health’.
The RNC continues to work with our communities to recognize its needs, and to provide services to fit those needs. It has been evident since the introduction of the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) in 2018, and our front line officers receiving Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), that communication is key. As we progress through our community response to COVID-19, we recognize the challenges we must face together, and we implore upon our community to reach out if you are struggling. We want to help you, and we are here for you.
You can contact the RNC at (709)729-8000, the NL Crisis Line at (709) 737-4668 or toll free at 1-888-737-4668, and 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Operational Stress Injury is a very real aspect of the work done by our members on a daily basis. We have introduced a Safety and Wellness Coordinator, the RNC Support Dog Service with Stella, and Heroes Equine Learning Program (HELP) as methods to promote self-care and wellness, as well as awareness of mental health within our organization. HELP involves a trained officer of our mounted unit, and is designed to assist current and former first responders who live with mental health needs. On October 4th, 2020 The RNC launched its first Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program. Cst. Kelsey Muise of the RNC Mounted Unit was instrumental in bringing this program to NL, and serves as an organizer and facilitator for the program. Cst. Muise and Equine Clinical Specialist, Rhonda Fiander, of the Avalon Equestrian Club will continue to work virtually with our Ontario partners in equine therapy. For more information on this program, visit www.help-ptsd.com.
The RNC will maintain our progression on organizational wellness as we learn more about how we can support the mental health and wellness of our employees and our community as a whole. There is no health without mental health, and is it imperative that our mental health and wellness is placed on the dashboard of our overall health. We are truly in this together, and we are always open and available to keep this conversation going!
-30-
Cst. James C. Cadigan #775
Media Relations/Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
(709)729-8658
