A CHARITY which provides welfare support to police officers has been honoured for its ‘Rolls Royce service’.

The high sheriff of Hampshire, Mary Montagu-Scott, honoured the members of the Police Medical Welfare Service (PMWS) with a High Sheriff Award in recognition of providing a welfare service to Hampshire Constabulary.

PMWS’s Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), based in Andover, was one of 16 individuals and organisations honoured at the High Sheriff of Hampshire Award Ceremony at the Great Hall in Winchester on Wednesday last week.

The DMWS was honoured for for the professional welfare support it has have provided to Hampshire Constabulary.

Speaking about the award, Jessica Liston, area manager for DMWS said: “It is great to be acknowledged for the fantastic job of our welfare officers. As a former police officer I believe it is only right to provide support to those who put their lives in harm’s way to protect our communities, when they need additional help.”

For 75 years, PMWS welfare officers have been providing support to the Armed Forces community and since June 2016, it has been delivering the DMWS.

This offers extra welfare support to sick, injured and assaulted officers with the aim to improve recovery time, wellbeing and resilience.

For three cases alone, the Police Medical Welfare Service has prevented sickness absence by 218 days, equating to savings of approximately £43,600.

Hampshire Police Federation representative, PC Adrian Starr said: “I have been absolutely amazed with the face-to-face support provided by DMWS. It’s making a big difference for those who need practical support. It’s a Rolls Royce service, above and beyond what I expected.”

To find out more, go to dmws.org.uk