Veteran provides the glue to keep police family together

Industrious. Compassionate. Dependable

Soon after her retiring following twenty-six years in the NSW Police, Philippa Woolf started volunteering for NSW Police Legacy to support serving and retired members and their families.

She works with patience and compassion across the Hunter region to ensure local Legatees feel connected to the police community and can access a diverse range of services and assistance.

Philippa, whose husband is still serving in the Police, is regarded as the glue that holds the local network together and regularly checks in on people of all ages, providing the charity with updates on their needs.

She feels humbled to be voted a Westfield Local Hero. “I think the level of support is a demonstration that people understand how difficult policing is, and they want families of serving and retired officers to be looked after.”

Philippa says NSW Police Legacy provides an amazing range of services and support options for families; but, sadly, the number the Legatees who need assistance continues to grow.

“My role is to provide ongoing support to those facing significant hardship and challenges and to encourage and maintain their connection to the wider Police family,” she says.

In 2016 Philippa set up a resource library with books, printed material and DVDs on grief, building resilience and other useful information.

“The framework of support we offer is a tangible and constant reminder to our Legatees that we will always consider them a part of the Police family,” Philippa says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation.

NSW Police Legacy will use its grant to provide school scholarships, welfare payments and access to psychologists for those touched by tragedy or difficult circumstances.

“We are committed to finding ways to support the various needs of our Legatees wherever we can,” says Philippa.

“This may be in practical ways such as arranging driving lessons or scholarships, or through more emotional support options such as attending regular catch-ups with others who have shared experiences of loss.”

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __