Peer Support experience brings survivors together at West End show
Friday, 17 November, to Sunday, 19 November, saw survivors hit the road and go to the West End for a peer support weekend, including tickets to see “Wicked. The peer support weekend included two nights of bed and breakfast with evening meals at the Holiday Inn London – Kensington High Street.
The highlight of the weekend was bringing together fellow survivors, old and new, to support one another and provide that vital peer support element that Care of Police Survivors strives to facilitate during events such as these.
Unfortunately, due to tragic circumstances, several new survivors joined the charity, and the experience provided a real chance to be welcomed into the fold, that is, the COPS police family. The effects of peer support is a profound and powerful experience and allows people to connect with others, build self-esteem and give a sense of belonging. The experiences Care of Police Survivors offers hope to bring people together and allow them to share their grief journey, smile at the good times and remember their loved ones.
The photo to the right shows Amanda Keylock – wife of PC Robert Keylock, who died in 2003
Russel Simpson – Amanda’s husband,
brother-in-law of PC Robert Keylock
Holly Keylock – daughter of PC Robert Keylock
Debbie Adlam – survivor and mother of PC Andrew Harper, who died on duty in 2019, said:
“We met with new survivors this time we had never seen before – we managed to have lots of conversations with them and exchange stories. I enjoyed chatting with new survivors as my reason, above all, is to get to casually talk to others who truly understand. Thank you.”
The photo above:
Daniel and Pamela Rutherford – Brother and sister-in-law of Police Officer Paul Rutherford, died on duty in 2019.
Shellie Miller Moore, survivor and partner of PC Chris Miller, who died on duty in 2020, said:
“We had an amazing weekend and absolutely loved the show. It was so lovely to see the children all ask to sit together and the excitement it brought them spending time with friends they made at the Children’s weekend at Easter. I enjoyed getting to know some of the survivors from peer groups other than our own, with whom we haven’t had as much chance to mix before. Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend.”
Photo above: Shellie Miller Moore, survivor and partner of PC Chris Millor, who died on duty in 2020
Sara Speller, survivor and wife of Special Constable Toby Speller, who died in 2021
Care of Police Survivors organsies these experiences thanks to the funds raised for the charity. Peer support is at the heart of these events and gives the time and space to unite as a police family, share stories and support new survivors who, too, have gone through the tragedy of a police death on duty. If you’d like to learn more about the charity – please visit our website: https://ukcops.org/about-us-and-our-history-care-of-police-survivors-charity-history/