Fife police inspector shortlisted in national awards for her mental health work

Laura Gibson sacrifices her own time to help officers and the wider public by speaking openly about mental wellbeing. She also trains others in spotting the signs of mental ill health and works with several organisations providing support, including the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group, Lifelines Scotland, and the Retired Police Officers Association.

She has been shortlisted in the Unsung Hero category of this year’s Scottish Police Federation (SPF) Awards.

PI Gibson, who is based in Glenrothes, works with Police Scotland’s Partnerships, Prevention and Community Wellbeing division. She recently led on the delivery of digital resources for suicide prevention in Scotland, alongside NHS 24. Her work aims to tackle the stigma of mental ill health and to support those in the force who are struggling.

Rose Fitzpatrick, chair of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group, said PI Gibson’s efforts have “gone well beyond the requirements of her role”.

PI Gibson is one of 20 officers to have been shortlisted for the SPF’s annual awards across five categories. The ceremony is at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on Thursday, November 23.

David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Our annual awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the individual and team acts of bravery and dedication to our communities that we see day in, day out in policing. We are incredibly proud of all our nominees. Police officers continue to face unprecedented challenges, but these awards are an opportunity to pause and reflect on the fantastic work that they do.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell added: “Policing brings huge value to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems and reducing offending.

“These awards shine a light on how officers stand up for and with our communities and I am extremely grateful to the Scottish Police Federation. I commend and thank all police officers and their families for their commitment to public service and offer my warmest congratulations to award nominees and recipients.”