Our purpose
Bluespace aims to increase the recognition of early warning signs, provide evidence-informed resources about mental health issues, and clarify useful ways for people to engage with and support those who may be experiencing mental ill-health.
An in-depth study into the mental health and wellbeing of Victoria Police found that:
- 80% of Victoria Police employeeshave experienced or been exposed to trauma in their career
- 32% of Victoria Police employeeshave experienced mild to severe symptoms of depression
- 90% of Victoria Police employeeshave experienced some degree of burnout from their work
- 40% of survey respondentsfelt it would 'harm their career' to have a mental health condition
- 61% of Victoria Police employeesprefer to manage their own wellbeing due to mental ill-health stigma
We know that mental ill-health can have a negative and debilitating impact on an individual, their work, family, and social lives.
Stigma associated with mental illness remains a very real issue worldwide; there is no exception to this for the first responder profession.
Bluespace was created in response to the real or perceived issue of career damage that employees feel they will encounter due to experiencing mental ill-health.
4,000 current and veteran employees and their families were consulted for Bluespace wellbeing content and method of delivery. Results from the 2017 Victoria Police Mental Health and Wellbeing Study and Snapshot surveys were also used to inform the content development of this website.
Bluespace provides current and veteran employees and their families with access to evidence-informed information about mental health and wellbeing issues, as well as help-seeking resources and services that may be of further assistance. Content and resources are regularly reviewed and updated by subject matter experts.
The Bluespace wellbeing website has been created by the police community for the police community.
To make an enquiry or to provide feedback about anything you find on this website, please email Victoria Police's Mental Health Centre of Excellence and Innovation.
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