THE Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police has pledged his support for an event raising awareness of a need for mental health support in Pembrokeshire.

CC Mark Collins will take on the first leg of the DPJ Foundation 10-day Pembrokeshire Coastal Path expedition in full uniform.

Other officers and staff will also be taking part in sections of the walk, which begins this weekend.

The DPJ Foundation was set up in July 2016 following the death of Daniel Picton-Jones. It aims to support people in rural communities with poor mental health, especially men in the agricultural sector, and to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health.

Mr Collins, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) lead for Mental Health and Policing, said: “The DPJ Foundation brings together two things that are close to our hearts in Dyfed-Powys Police – supporting people with mental health needs, and looking after our rural communities.

“Every day in policing we see the effects that mental ill-health can have on people and how alone it can make them feel. One of our force priorities is protecting the vulnerable, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure the appropriate levels of support are there for those who need it.

“As a predominantly rural force, we are aware that there are many people living in isolated communities who might find it difficult to access the support they need. Thanks to organisations like the DPJ Foundation, these barriers are being broken down.

“I look forward to taking part in the walk this weekend and spending time with people who both support and have been supported by the foundation.”

Emma Picton-Jones, Founder of The DPJ Foundation, added: “We are delighted to have CC Mark Collins joining us as well as his colleagues who have pledged their support over the rest of the expedition.

“Mental health is something which effects us all in one way or another and it is a real issue within our rural communities.”

To find out more about the foundation, visit http://www.thedpjfoundation.com/