THE Government acknowledging poor mental health and wellbeing as a major issue for police officers is 'a step in the right direction', Thames Valley Police Federation has said.

Chairman Craig O’Leary said the he 'doubted' funding of £7.5m for a police welfare fund over the next three years would solve the problem, but added the Government had to 'start somewhere'.

The funding for mental health treatment came after figures in Thames Valley revealed in the last financial year, 269 police officers in the force took time off sick through poor mental health.

The figure was an increase on 215 police officers, who fell ill the year before.

PC O'Leary said: "What I’m keen to ensure is that this fund doesn’t dilute the services we already provide across the country, but adds on top of it. So that we actually extend the services available to our officers and not just dilute what’s already there and in place.

"“In Thames Valley our officers are absolutely stretched to the limit. The demands being placed on the now are far exceeding what their capability is. This is where the problem comes in."

The National Police Welfare Service will initially be tested as a pilot and, subject to its success, be rolled out to all 43 forces.