Stockton police supported by Rapid Relief Team in appreciation

In Stockton, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) charity partnered with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to organise a series of events during Police Appreciation Week, extending support to officers across County Durham and North Yorkshire.

RRT volunteers visited police stations, serving coffee and cakes while offering officers a chance to relax and feel valued for their daily efforts.

Police officers were supported during Police Appreciation Week through events organised by the Rapid Relief Team and NPCC (Image: Supplied)

Murray Johnston, RRT’s local team leader, said: “The pressures facing police officers all over the country are well documented and this week was a way to show our support in a practical way.

“It was a privilege to have the opportunity to spend time with officers in Stockton-on-Tees, thank them for their service and recognise the vital role they have in supporting local communities, often in very challenging circumstances.

“We hope that these events provided a small boost to officers, gave them a moment to pause and feel appreciated for the work they do in protecting communities every day.”

Three welfare events were held in County Durham and North Yorkshire, reaching more than 240 officers.

In total, RRT hosted more than 200 events across England and Wales during the week, supporting around 16,600 officers over five days.

The programme was organised in response to ongoing concerns about the stress and mental health challenges faced by those in policing roles.

According to the Police Federation of England and Wales’ Pay and Morale Survey 2024, 82 per cent of officers reported experiencing stress, low mood, anxiety, or other mental health difficulties.

RRT also encouraged the public in Stockton-on-Tees to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of their local officers.

This was the charity’s largest UK operation to date, building on more than a decade of supporting emergency services and frontline organisations.

The events were coordinated with Cleveland Police to ensure that they complemented officers’ operational duties, giving them a chance to take a short break during busy shifts.

Superintendent Alan O’Donoghue said: “Response police officers are the backbone of day-to-day policing.

“They are the first to arrive at moments of crisis, uncertainty and vulnerability, often facing risk and complexity with limited information and under intense time pressure.

“Whether dealing with serious incidents, safeguarding those at risk, supporting victims at their most distressed, or managing emergencies that have a lasting impact on families and communities, response officers consistently demonstrate courage, professionalism and compassion.

“The RRT staff were simply outstanding – approachable, engaging and clearly driven by care and compassion.

“Their presence was incredibly well received, not just by me but by officers and staff across the district, and it made a real difference.”