Burnout to Bliss: Ex-Detective Finds Peace in Candle Making

A former murder detective has embraced a new career, finding peace and fulfillment as a candle maker. Janet Lovick, who served with Cheshire Police for almost 15 years, found her demanding role in the major investigation team led to burnout and severe anxiety, a condition she had never experienced before.

Lovick discovered candle making as a personal de-stressing method. The calming effect of the craft inspired her to leave the force in 2022. Now, she runs a business from Nantwich, selling her soy wax products online and at markets, aiming to bring a sense of calm to her customers.

Reflecting on her time as a detective, Lovick recalled the incredibly high stress levels and the impact of dealing with traumatic cases, including one involving a baby's death where she worked a 23-hour day. The pressure of her role, particularly during trials, affected her sleep and overall wellbeing.

Cheshire Police acknowledged the challenging nature of policing, including long hours and exposure to traumatic cases, which can impact officer health. The force stated it has significantly improved its health and wellbeing support services in recent years, including specific support for perimenopause and menopause. Additionally, they have increased their detective staffing, now holding the best detective staffing in the North West.