Objectives
- To Enhance Mental Resilience
- Promote Mental Health Awareness
- Provide Specialized Training
- Develop Peer Support Systems
- Improve Operational Performance
- Empower Leadership to Prioritize workplace well-being
- Address mental health challenges effectively within the police force
By addressing these critical areas, the Cognitive Health Wellness School aims to ensure the Islamabad Police Force is both mentally resilient and operationally efficient, setting a precedent for law enforcement agencies across the country.
Structure of the Cognitive Health Wellness School
- Dedicated Facility : A state-of-the-art training center at Police College Islamabad, equipped with simulation rooms, training classrooms, and wellness areas.
- Program Delivery : Modular training programs tailored to the needs of Police officials at different ranks. Workshops, refresher courses, and advanced training sessions are offered on a rolling basis. Opportunities for Police officials to engage in group discussions, peer learning, and scenario-based role play.
Training Components
- Courses (Short, workshops, Long, Diploma): Introduction to Cognitive Health, Stress, and Trauma Management, Practical techniques for processing trauma and managing stress.
- Simulation Based Learning : Real life scenarios, roleplaying exercises for de-escalating high-stress situations, and practicing peer support.
- Practical Drills and Exercises : Mindfulness practices, including meditation and grounding techniques, to improve focus and reduce anxiety. Stress-induced physical and cognitive challenges to train Police officials for high-pressure environments.
- Leadership and Peer Support Training : Empowering leaders to identify and address mental health challenges within their teams. Training selected police officials to act as peer counsellors, creating a sustainable inhouse support network
Implementation Plan
- Establishment : Setting up the facility and equipping it with the necessary tools and resources for training, drills, and simulations.
- Courses : Selection of courses and finalization of course amterial (short, workshops, long, diploma), simulation-based learning modules, practical drills and exercises, leadership and peer supoort training
Estimated budget
- Training & curriculum development: PKR 10 million
- Screening & assesment tools: PKR 60 million
- Counselling & referral services: PKR 5 million
- Capacity building & workshops: PKR 10 million
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and reporting: PKR 10 million
- Administration & Operations: PKR 5 Million
The Nigehban Social and Economic Development Foundation act as:
- Advisor : Providing technical guidance
- Presenter : Leading stakeholder workshops and policy dialouges
- Facilitator : Linking with donor agencies, NGOs, and academic partners
Total Budget: 1,000,000 USD
The Cognitive Health Wellness School (CHWS) is an innovative intervention program developed on the basis of the Police Mental Health Research Study. It is designed to provide structured, evidence-based mental health education, screening, and referral support to police personnel and other high-stress professions in Pakistan.
Rationale
Research evidence from the thesis study demonstrates that police officers face high levels of stress, trauma, and psychological strain, yet there are no structured wellness or counseling mechanisms available in the policing system. The CHWS will serve as a training, screening, and referral hub, equipping law enforcement agencies with sustainable mental health support systems.