The Retired Police Officers' Association, Scotland (RPOAS) seeks to provide a seamless route from Police Service into the ranks of Police veterans. They aim to safeguard members rights and support the wellbeing of them and their families. For more information, visit the
website.
RPOAS Transition and Wellbeing
When Police Scotland was created the Executive and Branch officials of RPOAS looked at the best way that they could provide welfare support to their members. Acknowledging that many informal contacts between retired officers already took place. With financial support from Police Care UK, the ‘Transition and Wellbeing’ strategic plan was launched in 2021 with a vision to deliver a structured and supported system of ‘Transition and Wellbeing’ for all 6,500 members and those entering retirement. The Vision Statement and Strategy can be viewed on the
website.
The RPOAS Transition and Wellbeing Signposter project was launched on 1 September 2021 as part of the strategy and:In partnership with Police Service of Scotland, will provide an Information Pack to every retiring Police OfficerAppointed a Co-ordinator and support Co-ordinator for the programmeIdentified and trained 11 Signposter volunteers spread across the countryIdentified key partners Trained Signposters are available to retired Police Officers and their family for help and guidance for matters including bereavement; debt/financial advice; legal advice in respect of wills/power of attorney; mental health/loneliness support; addictions, etc. or perhaps even a referral to the Benevolent Fund for financial support for example, to adjust bathrooms. The service is there to help!
The referral process is simple and begins by
emailing Tracy at RPOAS.
Referrals are not just for RPOAS members. The service is available to Police Officers’ partner/spouse/child/parent too. You can also make a referral on someone’s behalf, with their consent.
"
I referred myself to the Transition and Wellbeing team because of a health issue. I was contacted promptly by a Signposter who not only had been trained for that position but had 10 years of experience with Citizens Advice. The initial contact was by email but that was followed up by a couple of telephone calls and he had those relaxed communication skills that comes from years of working as a police officer. He put me in touch with a group who experience the same issue as me and I gained some very helpful information. In addition, I found that his knowledge, with regard to the availability of government benefits, for my issue and generally, was very current. All in all, very impressed!"