We all experience certain level of stress in our daily lives and use different skills to deal with it. Stress is a feeling that's created when we react to particular events. It's our body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.

The human body responds to stressors by activating the nerve system and specific hormones. Although just enough stress can be a good thing, stress overload is a different story - too much stress isn't good for anyone.

Stress may come from the job, especially for people working in a very busy and stressful environment. Nowadays, the workload of the Force has obviously increased and there is no exception for Police Communications Officers (PCOs).

In the Kowloon Regional Command and Control Centre (KRCCC), over 100 PCOs are working in various postings, including Divisional Consoles, 999 Consoles and Supervisory Console, providing 24-hour service to the public. Like police officers, they may also encounter difficult situations. They are required to make important split-second decisions, especially those working at the 999 Consoles.

The PCOs at the KRCCC raised their concerns and stress encountered in their job with the senior management of Kowloon West Region during an open forum recently. To help them relieve stress, Operation Wing of Kowloon West approached the Force's Carelinks Cadre.

After consulting Dr Edmond Lau of the Psychological Services Group (PSG) and meeting RHQ KW management and PCO representatives, Carelinks Cadre tailor-made a series of two-hour-workshop for the PCOs in KW Region. As the workshop was the first of its kind for PCOs, the programme was named "Two-Hour-Discharge of Battery", with "battery" symbolising their stress from the console.

With the full support of the Regional Management, Police Clinical Psychologists from PSG and Carelinkers conducted four workshops at RHQ KW on June 5, 7, 12, and 13, each attracting 30 SPCO and PCOs from each of the four KRCCC teams. The two-hour programme consisted of a brief presentation on useful tips on stress management and relaxation exercises, as well as a small group experience-sharing session.

The workshops aimed at enhancing attendees' awareness of the sources of stress and providing tips on stress management. Through the relaxation exercises, they were introduced to some simple and practical ways to relax their bodies and minds. The sharing session provided an opportunity for them to share experience with fellow officers, become more aware of mental health and balance in life, and build a caring culture with workmates.

Senior Inspector Joe Wong, a Carelinker responsible for organising the workshops, said the workshops were a huge success and well received with a lot of positive feedback. Some PCOs gained insights into the positive side of stress whilst others liked the simple relaxation exercises. Chief Inspector Gilbert Wong, Chairman of Carelinks Cadre, told Offbeat he was delighted to see all participating Carelinkers committing themselves to promoting a work-life balance and a caring culture in the Force. Similar workshops on stress management might be organised for PCOs in other Regions, he added.

Commenting on the workshops, Senior Superintendent Operations Kowloon West, Mr Gavin Brown, said: "The outcomes were very encouraging and the PCOs were active in their participation. They welcomed this service and indicated that it could help them relieve stress. Many hope that the management would arrange more similar services in the future."

The workshop on stress-relief is well received by PCOs