Trustees of The Company of Security Professionals, supported by SMT, have devised and launched Hear4U - a rehabilitation project designed to offer members of the security profession with health-related problems the opportunity to carry on working or return to work as soon as possible. Brian Sims reports

The Company of Security Professionals - the ‘umbrella' charitable arm of the security profession - has joined forces with Security Management Today (SMT) and First Assist in launching Hear4U, an Internet and Telephone HelpLine-based rehabilitation project that aims to provide expert guidance and (in specific cases) financial assistance for security professionals suffering from health problems or work-related injuries.

Hear4U is the brainchild of a sub-committee of The Company of Security Professionals' Trustees, who originally wanted to explore the possibilities of setting up a formal Rehabilitation Centre to help ‘deserving causes' from across the security profession return to work as soon as possible. For the time being, it was reasoned that this would be a step too far, though. The current project is an excellent, workable alternative to a dedicated Rehabilitation Unit.

Phase 1, Tier 1 has involved the establishment of a web site accessible via its own link (at www.hear4u.org.uk). This has been designed by Simon Jackson at Blue Line Media to provide up-to-the-minute advice on health issues and stress both in and out of the workplace, drug and alcohol-related problems, bereavement and coping with grief, debt, bullying in the workplace and gambling addiction.

Dedicated HelpLine

In addition, a 24/7 Telephone Helpline has been established with the co-operation of First Assist for Phase 1, Tier 2 of the project. Professional advisors and counsellors responding to a free-call number can help with many of the issues listed above. They can also offer general advice, support and clinical guidance, including healthcare information for men, women and the elderly, as well as how to cope with depression, relationship difficulties and lifestyle advice. They also have access to many other specialists, advisors and various types of support agency. Both the web site and the HelpLine are ‘live' from 7 June.

For the first six months of operation, Tier 1 of Hear4U will only be available to Members of The Company of Security Professionals and their immediate dependents. Each Member of the Company will be issued with a membership number and have access (during the first 12 months) to five one-hour telephone counselling and advice sessions. This is subject to review, and exceptions may well be made for special cases where more counselling is required.

During Phase 1, The Company will assess management reports on the project, including the scale of the financial commitment that's required. In Phase 2, The Company will seek to have a facility whereby it can refer deserving patients for assessment (and, possibly, therapeutic and other rehabilitation services), subject to qualification thresholds decided by The Company. The Company would then provide financial assistance for medical treatment.

Then, during Phase 3, The Company will consider opening up Phases 1 and 2 to other members of the security profession (for example, members of the BSIA, The Security Institute, ASIS International UK Chapter 208 and the Risk and Security Management Forum).

Financing the project

In its first year, the project will demand financing to the tune of £25,000-£30,000. Funds will be raised by way of an Official Appeal to the Membership of The Company of Security Professionals, while Security Management Today has pledged the £10,000 proceeds of our Charity Casino at the annual Security Excellence Awards to Hear4U in both 2006 and 2007.

‘Seed' monies totalling £10,000 have also been put in place to initiate the project via the Trustees.

Importantly, John Purnell - who takes over as Master of The Company at the organisation's Annual Master's Luncheon on 7 June - has designated Hear4U as The Company's nominated charity during his term of office.

Speaking to SMT, Purnell said: "Hear4U is all about The Company doing something for the security profession. We'll continue to work for charitable concerns outside of the industry, but we felt the time was right to look constructively at helping professionals in this sector who have problems."

Purnell added that The Company owes much gratitude to Mrs Ann Freeman for all the hard work she has carried out in helping to establish the project, and for writing many of the web site advice pages. The Company is also "delighted" with SMT's involvement in the project. "Your monetary donation is invaluable, so too your editorial support," said Purnell.

The Company of Security Professionals:protecting people, property and liberty

In the UK there are Presently over 300,000 people working in security-related employment, with a number of organisations and associations representing them.

The Company of Security Professionals seeks to compliment all of the excellent work that is being done by serving as the ‘umbrella’ charitable arm of the profession, writes Brian Sims. It continues to work hard in demonstrating to opinion formers in the City of London and the country at large the caring side of the security profession while at the same time raising its profile.

The Company was formed as a City of London Guild in 1999, and progressed quickly to become a City of London Company in 2004. This offers the security profession – which is often at the leading edge of innovation and technology – a direct link with 900 years of City Livery Company traditions.

The Company supports many and varied charities, and is now beginning to fund a range of charitable and educational projects which will also benefit the security profession – hence Hear4U. The Company plans to apply for Worshipful Livery Company status in 2007.

Source

SMT