Beyond the Blue Light Podcast

We had some sound quality issues whilst recording this episode. It lasts for about five minutes. Please accept our apologies for this. Mark mentioned a number of resources in this episode. They are: Mark’s Thesis - https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186007/1/Final%20draft%20166.pdf YouTube Presentation of Mark’s Research - https://youtu.be/I1YYuG50XPs/ Crime, Security & Justice Network - htt...

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Show Notes: Ep 7 Coping Mechanisms Coping Mechanisms  - When dealing with chronic stress it's not uncommon to use improvised help tactics such as self-medication, food binging, social self isolation, or gallows humour etc. This may assist in the short term, but can likely cause other issues such as addiction, or can damage our career.  If you are feeling stressed the best thing you can do is attem...

Show notes Ep 6 - Bereavement Scarlett’s Story Never had a hitch in work until March 2023 when my step-dad (who I call my dad) passed away suddenly.  This came as a massive shock to the whole family. And I had seen him just the day before as he was putting shelves up in my flat.  This came as a massive blow to me as he came into our lives at a time when we really needed him and he stepped him and ...

Pre-Show Notes ep. 5 Maintaining a healthy work / life balance  - It’s tempting to stay on at work to please your supervisor, and the extra pay from overtime is always welcome, but how does the extra time at work affect our home life, and overall well being? The Work Life Balance Report 2024 ranked the UK 34 out of 40 countries for best work life balance with the highest rated being Spain. https:/...

Show notes Ep 4 Managing chronic illness at work  - You want to contribute to your organisation, but you develop a chronic health condition that negatively affects your attendance. We discuss HR, problems with the Bradford Score, and other issues connected with working when ill. Bradford Score  - * Originally designed for use as part of the overall investigation and management of absenteeism. In c...

Show Notes Ep. 3 Spotting the signs...  - How do you know if a colleague is struggling, and what do you do if they are? How best to support your colleagues. Managers who know their staff and regularly hold one-to-ones to discuss work and wellbeing are placed to spot any signs of stress or poor mental health at an early stage. Often the key is a change in typical behaviour. Symptoms will vary, as e...

Show Notes Episode 2 - Smells Like Team Spirit Morale is not just an issue for the military, it can affect any group of employees. How can morale be raised within a team, and examples of when employers get it right, and wrong.   ‘Gareth’s’ story (ITV - Sep 2024) https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2024-09-05/south-wales-fire-nothing-has-changed-since-daming-review-says-firefighter A serving firefighter...

Show Notes - Episode 1: Mental Health vs Career Don't forget that there is an extended discussion in relation to issues raised in the episode at the Betond the Blue Light Community Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/618892260536745 Mental Health vs. Career  - When our mental health takes a dip and we need help, is it wise to tell our employer? Are we required to do so? What are the c...

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