Police has received a special commendation for The Wolf Was Not Sleeping, a picture book designed to ease concerns of young whānau members about a loved one’s job.
The book was recognised at the 2022 Safeguard Awards - New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards.
A Police-focused edition of The Wolf Was Not Sleeping was made available free to Police staff in October. FENZ and St John have their own versions of the book, tailored to reflect their own organisations, and were also commended at the 2022 Safeguard Awards.
While there are many valuable resources for families exposed to trauma, a lack of material targeted at the children of emergency responders was identified.
Shared honours for Inspector Becky Hill; Kris Kennett from FENZ; and Adele Saunders from St John; with Yann Teboul from category sponsor ecoportal (far left).
The Wolf Was Not Sleeping, by Avril McDonald, helps open conversations and gives simple strategies to cope with the emotional pressures arising from a family member’s job.
The project was driven by Inspector Becky Hill, Health Promotions Advisory Manager in Safer People, who was present to pick up the commendation along with counterparts from FENZ and St John.
“It’s fabulous this great resource has received recognition at the Safeguard Awards,” says Superintendent Mel Aitken, Director Safer People.
“The book has been really well received by our people and has proven to be a very useful tool for whānau.
“Whānau isn’t just our immediate relatives, it extends to our friends and wider community who are dear to us. This book is available to any staff who have young tamariki in their lives.”