Support networks

Disability and Carers Support Group has been set up for those with a disability or living through a disability. The Disability Network is here to help and support anyone with or affected by disability. Whether you are living with a disability or are affected by a loved one, the network is here for you. 

The network offers support and guidance for Staff and Officers who may have a disability or health issue or provide support or care for someone with a disability. 

Active in the promotion of disability rights and awareness, we are consulted and involved in making policy and procedural recommendations within Gwent Police.  We also engage with the Disabled Police Association at National Level.

Gwent Police Mental Health Support Group is a peer support group of police officers and staff each of whom has experience of living with poor mental health. We meet bi-monthly to offer support to each other in a safe, comfortable and friendly environment.

Additionally, we have a closed social media group to offer peer support outside of the meetings. 

The group also holds activities such as walks and social gatherings to extend the connection and help beyond the working environment.

Gwent Police Ethnic Minority Association (GEMA) was formed as Gwent Black Police Association in 1999 as a support network for black and minority ethnic (BME) staff. Recently, after a period of discussion it was renamed as GEMA to reflect the number of BME staff and officers who do not identify themselves as black. 

The 'Association' is involved in discussing and advising on Force Policy regarding Race, Equality and Diversity, Staff Welfare and engagement with BME communities. It is also our aim that GEMA better reflects our minority communities in Gwent.

Gwent Police’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) Network offers a warm welcome to anyone with an interest in supporting us to become a more inclusive organisation.  The Network aims to:

• Spread the message to communities and staff that hate crime is not acceptable
• Actively encourage people to report hate crime or any other discriminatory behaviour where they see it
• Encourage LGBT+ people to apply to Gwent Police and advocate that Gwent Police is dedicated to serving all communities
• Provide peer support to our LGBT+ colleagues
• Remain passionate about breaking down barriers, challenging discriminatory behaviour and attitudes
• Champion LGBT+ matters within the workforce
• Support community events
• Provide visible role models within the service
• Offer support and signposting to anyone questioning their sexual or gender identity
• Provide advice to parents or carers of young people who may be in need of support

The Christian Police Association in Gwent aims to be a voice for Christians in Policing, to encourage and support Christians in the Police Service, and to build bridges between the Christian community and the Police.

Police Sport Gwent (PSG) in an association that provides opportunities for all staff, past and present, to take part in sports and recreation at all levels and abilities.  These sections help improve wellbeing, health and moral of all participants.

We have a large number of sporting sections, covering a wide range of sports and pastimes.  PSG also provide funding for equipment and activities within the Force area.

We boast a comprehensive range of sporting sections, providing competition at local, regional, national and international levels.  Some PSG members also simply take part for fun, social fitness and wellbeing.

Gwent are lucky to have been represented a number of times, nationally and internationally in various sports.  In addition, PSG also arrange and support local charities and various events throughout the year.

PSG are affiliated with Police Sport UK (PSUK).  PSUK have in excess of 300,000 members (including police officers, police staff and retired colleagues), so there is always plenty of friendly competition available at PSUK events!

All funding is self-generated, by members of PSG.  PSUK also have a joint venture with Team Police and Ethos VO, who assist in raising funds through innovative commercial sponsorship.

The sports that we currently offer are:

• Badminton
• Clay Shooting
• Coarse Fishing
• Cricket
• Crossfit
• Cycling
• Equestrian
• Fly Fishing
• Football
• Full Bore Shooting
• Golf
• Hockey
• Ice Hockey
• Indoor Sports (Snooker, Pool, 10-pin bowling, Darts, Table Tennis & Billiards)
• Motorcycling
• Mountain Biking
• Netball
• Rugby
• Running / Athletics
• Sea Angling
• Squash
• Swimming
• Tennis

PSG are always open to welcoming new sports, where there is an interest and help develop and support these sections.

The Police Superintendents’ Association (PSA) represents superintendents and chief superintendents in 49 police forces – the 43 Home Office forces, British Transport Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Isle of Man Constabulary, Bermuda Police Service, Royal Gibraltar Police and Gibraltar Defence Police. 

Gwent Police have a Branch Board which is chaired by Ch/Supt Nick McLain. The aims, objectives and vision for the Branch Board mirror those of the National PSA which are:

Vision:
To support and represent our members’ welfare and interests, while being an influential voice in policing for the public good.

Mission :

• To negotiate the best possible conditions of service for members.
• To provide support and advice to members regarding health and welfare or those ‘at risk’ in relation to conduct issues.
• To help lead and develop the police service to improve standards of policing.
• To actively contribute to helping to shape future policing policy and practice at the national and strategic levels.
  
  

Our values in terms of how we behave and act in pursuance of our mission, are those of the Police Service of England and Wales, which are enshrined within the Code of Ethics.

We will work towards our vision and mission through the delivery of our Action Plan, focussing on caring for our people, our police and our public.

Further information on the National PSA can be found at: Police & Home Office Forces | Police Superintendents' Association (policesupers.com)

The Gwent Police Welsh Speakers and Learners Network is open to any colleague who:

• is learning Welsh (any level)
• is a Welsh speaker (any ability)
• is not a Welsh speaker or learner but has a positive interest in the Welsh language

The Network meets formally once or twice a year to discuss Welsh language matters that affect Gwent Police and Network members themselves. Outside of those meetings, the Network members keep in touch informally.

The Network has an annual budget that it may use to promote membership and awareness, as well as funding events that benefit Network members, e.g. conferences, community events.

Network members are offered opportunities to use their Welsh language skills professionally and socially, Gwent Police also has a training budget that is used to enable network members to improve upon their existing Welsh language skills or learn Welsh from scratch.   

For further information, or to join the Gwent Police Welsh Speakers and Learners Network, please contact Cath Baldwin.

Unison represents and acts for members working in a range of public services and utilities. They represent members, negotiate and bargain on their behalf, campaign for better working conditions and pay and for public services.

For more information visit their website UNISON National

The Police Federation of England and Wales is a staff association for all police constables, sergeants and inspectors (including chief inspectors).

It was created by the Police Act 1919, passed a year after a crippling strike by the unrecognised National Union of Police and Prison Officers (NUPPO).

The Police Federation of England and Wales is the staff association that represents all 140,000 police officers up to and including the rank of Chief Inspector. We have a statutory obligation to ensure that the views of our members are accurately relayed to government, opinion formers and key stakeholders. To ensure this we measure the work we do and what we seek to achieve against our organisational aims and objectives.

For further information relating to Gwent Police Federation you can visit our website | gwentpf.org