EMERGENCY SERVICES FOUNDATION FAMILIES GUIDE | 17 | EMERGENCY SERVICES FOUNDATION FAMILIES GUIDE 16 Building a support crew Everybody needs a team of people that are there for you in times of need. They are responsive to your different needs – practical and emotional - and work to keep you on the road or get you back on the road if needed. Family is usually the key support crew of Victoria Police employees, but not the only ones. Encouraging your loved one to build a support crew and knowing who they are can be really helpful. Who are your support crew? It is important to assemble and nurture your crew before you need them. Once you have identified who your support crew are, let them know how important their relationship is to you. It could be a useful activity for each family member to identify, list and reflect on the individuals who provide support in their lives. For example: • Who do you get practical support from – the person who mows the lawn, brings a casserole, or takes you to an appointment? • Who do you get emotional support from – the person you feel comfortable talking openly and honestly with about your concerns and who you know will provide a non-judgemental response? • Who do you go to for information – the person who can help you ‘navigate the system’ to get the answers you need? • Who builds your esteem – the person who makes you feel good about yourself? Prescription for wellbeing Being mentally fit and staying that way takes effort. It is called self-care. We all need to do it but too often our busy lives get in the way. Prevention is the best medicine and helps build resilience to stress. We are all unique and need different things to make us feel supported. You won’t know if you don’t ask, ‘what do you need right now?’ Some examples of self-care may be: • Having someone to talk with – professional or otherwise • Releasing emotions through creative expression • Practicing relaxation – yoga, meditation, mindfulness • Proper sleep • Balanced and nutritious diet • Having a support crew to call on • Taking a break – time away from work (physically AND digitally) • Being physically active • Making time for activities or hobbies you enjoy • Getting out in nature – ‘feeling blue - go green’ • Nurturing your spirituality • Bringing focus to positives in life no matter how small – reminding yourself on a daily basis what you are grateful for • Not being afraid to seek professional help Remember, some individuals may need space to privately process their Victoria Police employment experiences, and some may want to protect their family from the details. Be patient and understanding. Remind them of their strengths and the important role they play in protecting the community.
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