Protecting the Protectors

09/08/2026

Working as a Victoria Police Officer or a Protective Services Officer, we have had to attend scenes which are very confronting.

There is an old saying "you can never unsee, what you have seen" and sometimes we can find it hard to be honest with ourselves and say - "You know what, I think I need to talk to someone about this".

We at Protecting the Protectors are here to assist.

Let us give you a scenario and you tell us if you or a work colleague might want/need some assistance.

Addressing sleep and Social Withdrawal.

Callum is a 37-year-old constable who usually leads an active lifestyle. Recently, he reported difficulty in falling and staying asleep, low energy in the mornings, and has withdrawn from social activities, spending most of his free time alone playing video games.

Did you know that there is a program at St John of God Langmore Centre that can assist you.

And if you are not on WorkCover or don't have the means through Private Health insurance to pay for the program, Protecting the Protectors is here to assist.

How does it work and what happens.

The Nurse Practitioner assesses Callum, who is reluctant to engage in therapy, believing he is just “tired.” Routine physical checks identify no health concerns. Building rapport, the Nurse Practitioner encourages Callum to join the Exercise Physiology (EP) program, starting with an assessment. After 6 group sessions, Callum feels brighter and begins socialising again, though sleep issues persist. He is referred to a psychiatrist and completes the Sleep Better with CBT program.

If you want further information on how to apply for the program and also funding. Please email [email protected]

Your enquiry is completely confidential.

If you would like to donate so we can continue to support our Victoria Police members, Protective Services Officers and retired veterans - Please donate via the link here https://www.givenow.com.au/protecting-the-protectors

05/08/2026

Today, my first baby turns 18.

18 years ago, Snr Constable Laurie Fox (Fox) became a dad for the very first time. I still remember the pride in his eyes as he held Charlie. He made the same promises every new parent makes—that he'd always be there, that he'd protect him, guide him, and be the best role model he could be.

Being a police officer was a huge part of who Fox was. But being a dad... that was his greatest joy. Our boys were his world.

It's impossible not to think today about everything he should have been here for.

The driving lessons.
The school graduations.
The first heartbreaks.
The terrible dad jokes.
The proud hugs.
And today... watching his firstborn become a man.

Instead, Charlie celebrates his 18th birthday without Fox beside him.

When Charlie was 4 and Henry was 2, Fox lost his battle with his mental health. His decision didn't just end his own future—it changed ours forever.

Today is filled with immense pride for the young man Charlie has become. But it's also a reminder of what has been lost.

And this is our WHY.

Protecting the Protectors exists because no family should have to experience this heartbreak. We know ours is not the only policing family—and certainly not the only family—to lose a mother, father, partner or loved one to su***de.

It is not okay. We want to change this, because it's not just statistics, it's life.

Mental health struggles can affect anyone, including the people who spend their lives protecting others. But there is hope, there is support, and there are people who care.

We do this because birthdays matter.
Graduations matter.
Christmases matter.
Grandchildren matter.
Growing old together matters.

So today, while we celebrate Charlie and everything he has become, we also renew our commitment to our mission: to break the stigma, to start the conversations, and to remind every member of our policing and emergency services families that your life matters.

Because there are birthdays, milestones and memories still waiting for you.

Happy 18th Birthday, Charlie. Dad would be incredibly proud of the man you've become ❤️

- Belle
PTP Board Director & Charlie's Mum

18/07/2026

💙 When Protectors Need Protecting

Last week, Protecting the Protectors was contacted by the partner of a Victoria Police Officer who was in a mental health facility alongside offenders. They were deeply concerned for their loved one's safety and wellbeing.

Their partner contacted another Police member who advised them of PTP as this is exactly why Protecting the Protectors exists.

Within 5 days, we worked alongside the incredible team at St John of God Langmore Centre to secure an admission into a safe, supportive environment where they could begin their recovery with dignity and respect.

The message we received afterwards says it all:

"Afternoon Dutchy, I just wanted to pass on our thanks. I have just arrived home after ###X's admit at Langmore and I couldn't be happier. The relief has far exceeded my hopes and dreams. I can finally rest easy knowing he's in good hands.

From our first step in the door when Wendy greeted us with a lovely smile and warm welcome, to ###X's caregiver and everyone we met, he was respected, accepted, heard and supported.
A stark contrast from where he was.

Thank you. Thank you so very much."

Stories like this remind us why Protecting the Protectors & St John of God Langmore Centre partnership matters.

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing team at St John of God Langmore Centre for the compassionate care you provide to those who have spent their careers protecting others.

Together, we're ensuring that when our Victoria Police members, Protective Services Officers and veterans need help, they receive the care, dignity and respect they deserve.

💙 Together, we protect. Together, we make a difference

Please remember if anyone would like to donate to PTP for us to continue to assist our members please donate at https://www.givenow.com.au/protecting-the-protectors

08/07/2026

It's hard to believe 9 years ago today this article was published in the Herald Sun where our founding member Glenn 'Dutchy' Holland APM was trying to establish a specific hospital for our Victoria Police members and retired veterans to receive safe and secure treatment for PTSD and Mental health injuries.

Who would think that his passion for his work colleague's mental health would become a registered charity Protecting the Protectors which pays for our Victoria Police members receive the above assistance at the newly established St John of God Langmore Centre.

We are extremely proud of this outcome and what we will be achieving moving forward.

The Police Association Victoria
Victoria Police Legacy
Police Veterans Victoria

EMERGENCY workers whose lives have been devastated by work-related trauma want a dedicated hospital ward to help mentally ill workers.

05/07/2026

Protecting the Protectors continues to support this great initiative with the Triple M radio network.

It's No Talk Day today, a day when Triple M stops ads, announcers, traffic updates, and news for a couple of hours No Talk Day is more than just uninterrupted tunes; it's a powerful initiative to encourage meaningful conversations. It's a day to pause, reflect, and connect.

Please remember if anyone needs assistance please utilise the contact numbers on our support page protectingtheprotectors.com

28/06/2026

Evening all,

Over the years of running the Protecting the Protectors campaign, Dutchy had many chats with Matty Paton in relation to family, friends, holidays, work and also the mental health of our police members.

Matty was our colleague who tragically passed away whilst hiking in Peru recently.

Matty has always been a man that has touched the heart of those that he came in contact with.

A few years ago, Matt sent the below message to Dutchy in relation to the campaign.

"Hey mate, random thought.

I just went and put some cans and bottles into one of the new recycling centres. It gives you the option of collecting the return for yourself or donating to one of a bunch of charities.

My random thought was I wonder if you can add your own charity … turns out you can!

Looks like it’d take about two minutes to set up and easy for people to donate to FightingPTSD.

Can’t imagine you’d make millions but might see some coin trickle in for very little effort?

Have a good weekend!
Cheers, Matt."

With PTP now being a registered charity, we are now able to accept donations through the Victoria Container Deposit Scheme.

PTP would like to dedicate our recycling program in the name of our friend Matty P who everyone knows was a man that had members welfare as one of his priorities.

Protecting the Protectors scheme ID number is C2000083622 or you can scan the bar code attached at any recycling centre.

Please remember you can also make a tax deductible donation at https://www.givenow.com.au/protecting-the-protectors

Please help us in supporting our Victoria Police members and Retired Veterans.

Matty, may you look down on us and keep us all going in the right direction.
Dutchy

Please remember if anyone needs assistance please utilise the support numbers provided on our website protectingtheprotectors.com

26/06/2026

Protecting the Protectors has been raising awareness for PTSI and Mental Health for our Victoria Police members and Retired Veterans for nearly 10 years now.

Saturday 27th June is PTSD Awareness day

The core message for 2026 is that PTSD is treatable, and effective therapies significantly improve quality of life.

And it all starts with a hard but simple question.

So Its time to grab a mate or a work colleague or even conduct an informal office meeting to asked the question.

"Are you ok" or "can I help you with anything"

Common Symptoms.

Understanding the signs of PTSD is the first step in supporting yourself or a loved one. Symptoms typically fall into four categories:

1. Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, or severe intrusive thoughts.

2. Avoidance: Steering clear of people, places, or objects that trigger memories of the traumatic event.

3. Negative Alterations: Negative changes in beliefs, mood, or memory.

4. Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, feeling constantly tense, or having angry outbursts.

If you need assistance please do not hesitate to use the support numbers provided on our support page.

www.protectingtheprotectors.com

Don't forget Protect the Protectors is a registered not for profit charity where you can donate to help support our Victoria Police members and Retired Veterans get treatment for mental health injuries at the St John of God Langmore Centre.

Any donation over $2 is tax deductible.
Our link is below

https://www.givenow.com.au/protecting-the-protectors

21/06/2026

Only 10 days until the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.

Protecting the Protectors is a registered charity that has two missions and that is to make sure that all Victoria Police members and Retired Police Veterans receive safe and secure treatment for mental health and PTSD at the St John of God Langmore Centre and also support retired veterans with our Victoria Police Assistance Dogs Program with Assistance Dogs Australia.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and we would love you to help support our emergency service members.

Our link is here to make a tax deductible donation.

Thank you for your support.

https://www.givenow.com.au/protecting-the-protectors

Please remember if anyone needs assistance please utilise the contact numbers on our support page protectingtheprotectors.com

16/06/2026

Today, on Police Legacy Day, we honour the families of Police Officers, PSOs and partners of, who have lost their lives and recognise the incredible work of Police Legacy organisations across Australia.

For PTP, this day is especially meaningful. One of our Board Members, Belle, lost her partner, Senior Constable Laurie Fox, in 2012, leaving her to raise their two young boys, Charlie and Henry.

Victoria Police Legacy has been a constant source of support for Belle and her family, helping maintain their connection to the policing community and providing a unique network of people who truly understand the journey of losing a loved one in policing. Through shared experiences, friendship, and ongoing support, they have become part of an extended family.

We are proud supporters of Victoria Police Legacy, with Dutchy raising funds through Run4Blue and other initiatives over many years to help support the important work they do.

Today, we also acknowledge and thank Police Legacy organisations right across Australia for the invaluable support they provide to police families when they need it most.

💙 Please join us in recognising the strength, resilience and courage of our Police Legacy families.

SA Police Legacy NSW Police Legacy WA Police Legacy Inc. NT Police Legacy Inc Police Legacy Tasmania Ltd AFP Legacy

14/06/2026

Protecting the Protectors has been raising awareness for PTSI and Mental Health for our Victoria Police members and Retired Veterans for nearly 10 years now.

** JUNE IS PTSD AWARENESS MONTH **

Saturday 27th June is PTSD Awareness day

The core message for 2026 is that PTSD is treatable, and effective therapies significantly improve quality of life.

And it all starts with a hard but simple question.

So Its time to grab a mate or a work colleague or even conduct an informal office meeting to asked the question.

"Are you ok" or "can I help you with anything"

Common Symptoms.

Understanding the signs of PTSD is the first step in supporting yourself or a loved one. Symptoms typically fall into four categories:

1. Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, or severe intrusive thoughts.

2. Avoidance: Steering clear of people, places, or objects that trigger memories of the traumatic event.

3. Negative Alterations: Negative changes in beliefs, mood, or memory.

4. Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, feeling constantly tense, or having angry outbursts.

If you need assistance please do not hesitate to use the support numbers provided on our support page.

www.protectingtheprotectors.com

Don't forget Protect the Protectors is a registered not for profit charity where you can donate to help support our Victoria Police members and Retired Veterans get treatment for mental health injuries at the St John of God Langmore Centre.

Any donation over $2 is tax deductible.
Our link is below

https://www.givenow.com.au/protecting-the-protectors