NSW has added a mental health and resilience component to its police force’s reconditioning, rehabilitation and fitness program.

The $1million-plus RECONNECT program is co-funded by Insurance & Care NSW (icare), the state police force and workers' compensation insurance agent EML.

“We recognise police officers face a tough job, day in, day out, affecting both body and mind,” icare Group Executive Self-Insurance Steve Hunt said.

“This pilot is part of icare’s ongoing partnering program with our government agency customers, focused on helping them actively manage their workplace risk, and promoting innovative approaches to doing so.”

“We commend the NSW Police for their initiative in developing this program, and proactively supporting their people with a long-term approach to physical and mental health wellness and recovery.” 

icare has also developed a “grief support pack” to help families access counselling and other support services following the loss of loved ones in workplace incidents.

“Our goal is to provide the best level of support for families coping with change and the impact of loss in their lives,” CEO Vivek Bhatia said.

“In the event of sudden loss of a loved one from a workplace incident, our grief support pack will also help families to understand the function of the different agencies that are involved when a person dies at work, and the support services available to them.”