The grant from the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund enabled Wiltshire Police Federation to provide cancer testing, identifying high-risk cases and potentially saving lives within the force. Managed by Office Manager Belinda Garrett, the funding was used to conduct PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing for officers and police staff. This proactive health check aims to detect early signs of prostate cancer, a condition that can show no symptoms in its early stages but is highly treatable when caught early.
Proactive health in a high-pressure environment
Policing is a demanding profession, so both physical and mental wellbeing of its workforce is paramount to operational success. However, in a workplace defined by high-stress situations and frequently-irregular shift work, personal health screenings can fall by the wayside. The Wiltshire Police Federation identified this and made PSA testing a priority health initiative to support their staff members.
The PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Whilst not a standalone diagnosis for cancer, it serves as a first warning that can indicate whether further investigation or monitoring is needed. Bringing these tests directly to staff in their place of work removed the barriers of time and accessibility – recognition that physical health should be valued alongside professional duties.
The outcome: 75 tests and 11 interventions
The impact of the funding was evident and measurable. 75 tests were carried out amongst Wiltshire Police officers and staff during the screening sessions. The results provided a clear picture of the health of the participants and, more importantly, identified individuals who required a medical follow-up.
Test results from Wiltshire Police:
- 64 green: These participants showed low PSA levels, leaving them with peace of mind and a baseline for future checks.
- 5 amber: These tests indicated slightly elevated levels. Screening acts as a key early warning for amber participants, allowing for regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
- 6 red: These participants showed high PSA levels which required immediate clinical referral.
The identification of six red results alone indicates how worthwhile this medical initiative was. In these cases, screening has caught potential issues that were likely to remain asymptomatic otherwise, allowing these members of the force to seek specialist care and treatment far earlier than they may have done if left untested.
The value of early detection
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in men in the UK, but many are hesitant to seek testing until real symptoms appear. By that stage, the condition is more difficult to treat. Belinda’s application for testing amongst the Wiltshire Police Force was an effective way to move away from reactive treatment, and towards proactive prevention.
Both amber and red results demonstrate the preventative factor of this grant. The workplace initiative supported by the Community Fund left eleven staff members with the knowledge to begin informed medical management, benefitting not only the individuals and their families, but also the resilience of the force as a whole.
As Office Manager, Belinda played a central role in coordinating any logistics, making sure that the sessions were accessible to officers on the frontline and staff in administrative and support roles. The high turnout and the valuable nature of the results reflect that there is indeed a demand for such health-focussed measures within the policing community.
Supporting the blue light family
The Wiltshire Police PSA testing is a prime example of how the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund prioritises the overall health and wellbeing of its members – of those who serve. Financial resilience and physical health are intertwined; free access to essential health screenings alleviate the potential financial and emotional burden that a late-stage diagnosis can place on a family.
Its success shows us the role of the Community Fund plays in filling gaps that departmental budgets cannot always reach. Whilst operational equipment is a standard budget item, preventative health measures such as PSA testing often rely on the initiative of Federation staff and the support of partners.
About the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund
Friends of Serve and Protect is an incorporated association established for the benefit of individuals, organisations and communities served by Serve and Protect Credit Union. Funded by the Friends of Serve and Protect Lottery, Reg No – 4866, the Community Fund was established in 2024 to provide funding for projects and initiatives that support the greater community good of those who Serve and Protect. From wellbeing spaces to helping injured keyworkers through rehabilitation, the Community Fund helps make a difference to those who need it.
Funding is open to Serve and Protect members and must be for the direct benefit of the Serve and Protect community. For more information, click here.
