In this issue

A big welcome to the below Services who have commenced being part of the Police Referral Network.

Ferdy’s Haven, located on Palm Island

Strong Families Strong Communities, located in Cunnamulla

We have now conducted 6 District Engagement workshops – Brisbane North, Brisbane South, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Mount Isa, South West District – Roma and St George.

We thank all our Service Providers and QPS members who have attended to date.

Feedback has certainly been positive, highlighting the benefit of both QPS and Service Providers sharing their perspectives and appreciation of the Police Referral Program.

One of the key take away points has been the importance of acknowledging that each District is unique and manage their processes according to their own needs.

This means the role of policing in different Districts can determine the type of service delivery on the ground. We all need to keep working at streamlining the Police Referral processes to adapt to this.

Keep an eye on our District Engagement page with our next workshop being held in Ipswich on the 15^th October. (Email invitations will be sent to nominated persons.)

This month we share with you a little bit about one Service Provider – Red Nose Grief and Loss.

What service do you offer?

Red Nose provides Bereavement Counselling free of charge to any person affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child during pregnancy, infancy or childhood. The counsellors at Red Nose understand that the expression and experience of grief is individual, and can tailor sessions to best meet individual needs.

Where are you located?

Our Red Nose office in Queensland is in Mt Gravatt. We have qualified Bereavement Counsellors available to support people by phone, face to face or online via video-chat. To find out more or arrange to access to Bereavement Counselling please call the Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line on 1300 308 307.

Why is the Police Referrals Program important?

The Police Referral Service is important as Police are often the first responders when a death occurs. It is reassuring to know that Police can provide the right pathway for assistance for the families they encounter who need support.

Having access to the right support at the critical first stage is important because it means that grieving families can access the support they need without having to search for the information themselves in what is often a highly stressful and desperate time for them. This is because when someone is experiencing grief they often feel incapable of doing much more than basic tasks of life. Having the Police Referral Service refer them to Red Nose means there is one less thing they have to worry about.

The Police Referral Service also provides the ability to refer grieving families directly to specialised services for families affected by the death of a baby or child, meaning they get the right support from the beginning rather than having to find a counsellor with the relevant experience on their own.

Supporting the community in this high need time of the year.

As we know the Christmas and holiday season is a period of particularly high need for vulnerable persons.

To plan for this time, we ask Service Providers to consider providing as much assistance as they can to address the influx of referrals.

You may be able to assist by:

• Informing RMCS know as soon as possible of any planned closure dates and times for your service over the holiday period
• Minimising down times in answering referrals over that time
• Organising skeleton staffing to continue to answer referrals over the high need period
• Committing to addressing pending referrals as soon as possible after return to work

We appreciate any assistance you can provide during the season.

3 fast facts to action Police Referrals

1. Strive to improve TAT – turnaround times of Police Referrals actioned. Remember to try 3 attempts at contact with referred clients over 2 days and then the referral can be closed off.

2. Completing the Outcomes Component for appropriate referrals. It’s so easy to do and benefits the Police Referrals Program results. See tip sheet here.

3. Share good news stories with RMCS whilst actioning the referrals by dropping us an email. We all need good news stories.

National Police Remembrance Day, Friday 27 September 2019

In commemoration of National Police Remembrance Day, police across Queensland paused on Friday September 27, to pay tribute to their fallen colleagues.  This is our time to remember those 147 Queensland Police officers who gave their life serving the state, as well as remembering our colleagues who are no longer with us; those men and women who faithfully served the QPS and are now truly missed.

National Police Remembrance Day is held every year to honour those who have lost their lives and ensure the magnitude of their sacrifice is never forgotten.  It is now arguably one of the most important days on the policing calendar, NPRD is a time for members of the Service and the community to remember, honour and together say a ‘thank you’ to the dedicated men and women who have died whilst on duty.

This year commemorates a 30-year milestone for National Police Remembrance Day services, which have been held annually in September as it marks the Feast of Saint Michael (the Archangel), Patron Saint of Police, who was always fighting evil.

Until next month, thank you for all of your support and working with the Queensland Police Service in helping to build safe, caring and connected communities.