A new community interest company (CIC), Blue Lights On Wight, has been established to offer crucial mental health support and PTSD recovery services to frontline workers across the UK. The CIC, based on the Isle of Wight, will assist those who have served the public in roles that often involve traumatic experiences, such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, prison officers, coastguards, border force, and search and rescue teams.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Frontline Professions
The CIC aims to provide essential care for those suffering from mental health issues and trauma related to their work. According to PTSD UK, approximately 20% of police officers and ambulance staff show symptoms of PTSD or complex PTSD. This statistic is also reflected in studies within the firefighting profession, though a lack of research into the experiences of prison officers may lead to undiagnosed mental health challenges within this group.
The support from Blue Lights On Wight extends to all key frontline workers, including control room staff, emergency call-centre workers, and helicopter crews, providing them with the resources they need to recover from the emotional and psychological toll of their duties.
Founder’s Commitment to Support
Alan Mackay, the founder and chairman of Blue Lights On Wight, expressed his frustration at the lack of immediate support available for these public service heroes. He said: “It is scandalous that some of the best of civilian society is largely being ignored, as far too many of our courageous civilian service personnel are failing to receive immediate and appropriate support or the urgent treatment they deserve for protecting us all.”
Mackay emphasized the company’s core mission: to ensure that frontline service personnel, whether past or present, residing on the Isle of Wight, receive the appropriate mental health support and care they deserve for their selfless public service.
Fundraising and Community Involvement
As part of its funding efforts, Tracy Subhani, one of the CIC’s directors, recently completed a skydiving event at Sandown Airport, raising £2,000 for the cause. Tracy is also planning to take her fundraising efforts further by completing a wing walk in 2026.
Another community-driven initiative from the CIC includes the renovation of a refreshment kiosk at Shanklin train station, which will serve as a non-profit venture to support the local community.
Personal Experience Behind the Mission
Mackay, a former H.M Prison Officer and H.M Coastguard Coastal and Cliff Rescue volunteer, shared his personal connection to the cause. Having dealt with the long-term effects of repetitive traumatic situations and complex PTSD (CPTSD), he speaks from experience. He noted that sitting on long waiting lists for treatment often leads to disastrous consequences, including family breakdowns, substance abuse, alcoholism, and suicide—issues that are prevalent among sufferers of PTSD in high-stress occupations.
The Path Forward
Blue Lights On Wight CIC aims to not only raise awareness but to also provide practical and immediate mental health resources to those who often go unrecognized despite their essential contributions. With the support of local communities and ongoing fundraising efforts, the organization hopes to be a beacon of hope for those who have dedicated their lives to public service.
