Stuart wins award after tackling mental health stigma

Police Sergeant Stuart Charlesworth

Greater Manchester Police Sergeant Stuart Charlesworth has won the College of Policing Wellbeing Award. 

The Awards, which took place for the first time last year, aim to recognise the everyday professional and excellence across policing.

The Awards include seven categories: leadership, partnerships and collaboration, community, diversity, wellbeing, professional development and evidence base (applying research), and nominations are taken from across UK police forces. 

Stuart was nominated by a member of his team for the Wellbeing Award in recognition of his work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in policing and helping others by sharing his own experiences. 

Following an incident while on duty, Stuart struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which he managed by self-coping as negative stigma prevented him from seeking help.

He eventually sought professional help and support and now manages the PTSD in his day-to-day life a lot better. 

Not only did Stuart work to improve his own mental health, but he has used his experiences to help others, not only within GMP, but within the wider policing community.

Despite it being a personal and difficult topic, Stuart has presented a powerful talk on mental health called ‘I’m Fine’ to officers from a number of police forces, including first responders following the Manchester Arena Attack, to motive others to seek the help they need. 

Stuart said: “I am honoured to receive this award.

"I am pleased that through my struggles I have managed to help others to cope and seek support.” 

GMP’s Chief Constable, Ian Hopkins, said: “We are proud that Stuart’s achievements have been recognised by the College of Policing. 

“He has made talking about mental health within the police a positive and effective experience.

"He has done this through being a role model; his honesty and openness about his own mental health journey has given others the confidence to speak and seek help.

"This has resulted in officers and staff seeking help early, preventing further issues and obtaining support.”

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