The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has launched a comprehensive psychosocial counselling training programme for officers in the Southern Region as part of ongoing efforts to promote the welfare and mental wellbeing of personnel.
The training brought together 120 police officers from Bo West, Bo East, and the Regional Headquarters. It focused on strengthening mental health awareness and psychosocial counselling support within the Force.
The initiative forms part of the broader welfare agenda of William Fayia Sellu, whose continued commitment to personnel wellbeing is aimed at enhancing professionalism, resilience, and confidence across the SLP.
Delivering the welcome address, Andrew Mustapha Kamara encouraged participants to remain attentive throughout the sessions and take full advantage of the opportunity by seeking clarification on issues they did not fully understand.
He noted that policing is a demanding profession often associated with pressure and emotional challenges, stressing that such engagements are essential in helping officers maintain sound mental health while effectively carrying out their duties to the public.
The training sessions were facilitated by a team led by Samuel Yemeh Koroma. Participants received presentations on the psychological impact of policing, common stress-related challenges faced by officers, barriers to seeking professional support, and practical psychosocial coping mechanisms aimed at improving mental wellbeing.
The programme was highly interactive, with officers actively participating in discussions and question-and-answer sessions throughout the engagement.
Participants described the training as timely, informative, and beneficial to both their personal and professional lives.
The initiative marks another significant step by the Sierra Leone Police toward strengthening the human capacity of its personnel and fostering a healthier working environment. Authorities say the programme is expected to be extended to all six police administrative regions across the country.