Trauma dogs to support wellbeing of 'stressed' police

Teyha has been visiting officers and staff at Wiltshire Police

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is providing "light relief" to police officers and staff dealing with trauma.

Teyha is visiting police stations as part of efforts by Wiltshire Police to improve the mental wellbeing of staff who suffer stress and burnouts.

"The average person will experience between five and seven traumatic incidents in their life, police officers and staff can experience up to 700," said Det Insp Steve Edwards.

There are currently more than 150 wellbeing dogs visiting police stations around the country.

'Happy and smiling'

"The wellbeing of our teams is really important to keep us on track, keep us at work, and deliver a good service to the public," DI Edwards continued.

"Everyone loves dogs. It's really nice to see the teams happy and smiling."

Teyha was introduced to staff at Melksham Police Station on Thursday.

"She's really well behaved and enjoyed it," said Mark Hargreaves, Teyha's handler.

The national trauma dog visits are part of the OK9 Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dog Network, run by volunteers who already work in the police.

"I'm ex-military so I really understand the welfare gig and looking after people's mental health," Mr Hargreaves added.

"It's a great opportunity to give something back."

Mark Hargreaves said Teyha "really enjoyed" meeting staff at Melksham Police Station

All OK9 dogs have been fully tested for suitability, and handlers have gone through peer support training, Wiltshire Police said.

"The dogs really are that secret weapon that engage with staff and let us talk to them and tell them where we can support," said Iain Pettitt, a wellbeing manager at the force.

"Stress, burnouts - it's all things that police officers and staff have to deal with.

"If we can get our wellbeing dog out for an hour to visit those teams and help boost them, then we're more than willing to do that."