Support where it’s needed
Protecting the Protectors is a registered charity that services all Victoria Police members, current and retired, to provide immediate, secure, and effective treatment for PTSD and mental health challenges.
We fund critical inpatient and outpatient care, bypassing long public wait times to prevent suicide and rehabilitate those affected by trauma in policing. We are dedicated to breaking the stigma and building a stronger future for our protectors.
About PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by either experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Often, people suffering from the effects of PTSD endure symptoms such as severe anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Often, people who experience traumatic events may find it difficult to adjust and cope with them. Fortunately, with time, good self-care and effective support and management, they usually get better. If symptoms worsen, last for extended periods, for example, months or years, or disrupt your day-to-day life activities, you may have PTSD.
Being able to receive early and effective treatment and reduce the symptoms of PTSD can improve function. The Protecting the Protectors site, along with the support of many, is promoting discussion around PTSD to help current and former emergency services members suffering with this condition in any way possible.
Our supporters make a life changing difference!
We are proud to have raised over $200,000 during the course of our campaign, and that money is being put to support members and families improve lives affected by PTSD.
Our new “Give Now” campaign is now open. Click or scan below:
Latest from the Blog
Here’s the latest news on events and activities from the #fightingptsdvicpol team.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for other news!
3.65km for 365 days health challenge
Raising awareness of personal health with a simple daily challenge Taking care of your health doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple daily challenge is designed to inspire small, meaningful changes that can make a big difference over time. From staying active to...
Run4Blue 2024 Event
The run4blue event promotes exercise and mental health where anyone can sign up. All you had to do was pledge to either walk, run, ride or just have a donut for the month of May and help raise valuable funds and awareness for Police legacies around Australia. Our 6th...
Warrnambool crew take out the Corporate Award at the 2024 Warrnambool Surf to Surf event.
The #fightingptsdvicpol campaign has started this year with some of our supporters getting out and about raising awareness for mental health. Congratulations to our Warrnambool crew who participated recently at the Warrnambool Surf to Surf event. This was their 5th...
Media Centre
Protecting the Protectors and #fightingPTSDVicPol improving public awareness with media and event appearances.
Police Dog Career Shift
A career shift, but still one with great purpose Last week, members from Dog Squad gathered to farewell Police Dog (PD) Trainee, Nala, who has started a new career as a Police Assistance Dog (PAD). Nala was born in September 2023 and at just 8 weeks of age, commenced...
Australian Police Medal
I am very proud of the work I have performed promoting awareness of PTSD and Mental health for our retired veterans and current emergency service members and last year I was awarded the Australian Police Medal. The group photo above pictures Dutchy, his family,...
Julie Bishop – Mental health awareness
Dutchy was out and about on the Queens Elizabeth when he had a quick chat with the Honorable Julie Bishop former foreign minister of Australia Watch the full video below. protectingtheprotectors.com.
Reaching new heights of recognition
Today Stuart Grimely MP personally helped raise awareness in Parliament for our #fightingptsdvicpol campaign to help support Victoria Police members and veterans with PTSD and mental health issues.
Mr Grimley MP recounts his own experiences with dedicated hospital staff and adds he, his wife and staff will will be participating in the Run for the Kids, to be held on 7 April in Melbourne. They will be proud members of the Fighting PTSD VicPol team.
Mr Grimley MP said “I am looking forward to standing strong with Glenn, his team and survivors of PTSD in our endeavours to support the remarkable work of the Royal Children’s Hospital.”
View the full Speech Video here:
We’re grateful for the help and support everyone has provided for this campaign. Those suffering with PTSD will benefit.
Dutchy awarded 2018 Police Officer of the Year!
Dutchy has been honoured with the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation 2018 Police Officer of the Year Award. This award is in recognition of outstanding service to the Victorian community as a member of Victoria Police, to colleagues through the Protect the Protectors campaign and to the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Dutchy was surprised and delighted for this recognition and continues his focus on providing support for members affected by PTSD and mental health matters.
Glenn (Dutchy) was interviewed by John Deeks on 3AW along with Neil Soullier OAM, the CEO of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Click the play bar below to listen in on the conversation.
Radio Interview
PTSD campaign media support
Extending the reach of PTSD awareness is an important part of this public education process. Glenn recently discussed the PTSD effort with renowned celebrity John Deeks live on 3AW radio Melbourne.
Radio Interview
My Story
I am a current serving member with Victoria Police and have observed friends and work colleagues leaving the job due to PTSD. Some have committed suicide, whilst some are on a long waiting list of up to 18 months for PTSD treatment.It not only affects them personally. It also affects family and friends.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Is a reaction to a traumatic event which has threatened the life or safety of oneself or others.
Victoria Police Members are not immune and are in need of assistance. Join me in helping!
Dutchy’s campaign is reaching members
Dutchy has made it to the cover of The Police Association Victoria’s Journal magazine. Not surprising that people are getting interested because the cause is important!.
How can I help?
Those who wish to help increase the awareness of the effects of PTSD and to provide a platform of support for members who are going through a tough time can donate directly online through our donations page
Please read on below to find the information you need to start helping. Any assistance is welcome, and your support is truly appreciated.
Other great ways to support our Police Force:
St John of God
Langmore Centre
We offer specialised treatment for current and retired members of the emergency services and defence forces suffering from PTSD and psychological injury in Berwick, Melbourne.
Victoria Police
Legacy
Our income is primarily derived from the extremely generous financial support of the many thousands of sworn members of Victoria Police ranging from the newest recruit to the Chief Commissioner, without whom much of the high quality support and services would not be possible. This is complemented by bequests, sponsorship, returns on investment and other donations.
With thanks to our supporters
Join with us in helping & Donate Today!
Get Involved
Protecting the Protectors is an Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) registered charity complying with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth) (ACNC Act). PROTECTING THE PROTECTORS LIMITED – ABN 18685506503, has Australian Taxation Office Deductible Gift Recipient status. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.