Introduction
If (like me) you sometimes have a limited span of attention here is the important message –
✅ Mental health issues are common and not automatically disqualifying
✅ Honesty is key—declaration builds trust
✅ Police are expected to treat you with dignity and respect
✅ Help is available, and seeking it shows strength
In the rest of this article I will explain some of the complexities and what you should expect.
More common than you think:
According to mind.org.uk – a leading mental health charity.
- 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.
- 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.
What You’re Expected to Share—and Why It Matters
On application for grant / renewal an individual must honestly declare any “relevant” medical condition. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
Failure to declare any diagnosis of any relevant condition during the life of the certificate is not a criminal offence but on the application form 201 it states:
I understand that I am expected to inform the police if I am diagnosed with, or treated for, a medical condition listed in note 5 while the certificate remains valid.
These condition in note 5 are:
- Acute Stress Reaction or an acute reaction to the stress caused by a trauma, including
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- Suicidal thoughts or self harm or harm to others
- Depression or anxiety
- Dementia
- Mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness
- A personality disorder
- A neurological condition: for example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or epilepsy
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Any other mental or physical condition, or combination of conditions, which you think may be relevant.
It further states –
The list above is not intended to be exhaustive. A mental, physical or neuro-developmental condition may be relevant depending on the severity of the disorder and how it presents. If in doubt, consult your doctor or contact the police firearms licensing department.
This last point on “mental, physical or neurodevelopmental conditions” is a new addition following the recent Firearms Amendment Act 2025. This is a controversial and extraordinarily broad definition which could encompass conditions such as dyslexia. It’s natural to feel concerned but rest assured, severity and impact are what matter most.
If you are not affected on a day-by-day basis then it is highly unlikely to require declaration. If in any doubt contact your GP or police team.
What Happens If I Speak Up
Above all else – you should expect; a compassionate conversation.
The police will need to satisfy themselves that this development to your health will not impact on your safe possession and use of firearms. The law places a duty upon them to do so.
But the critical part is how that process takes place.
“Dignity and respect” is mentioned repeatedly in police authorised professional practice (APP) and a cornerstone of the expected standards of professional behaviour.
These principles are not optional and should form the basis for any interaction of this kind.
Your Rights, Safety and Dignity
Statutory Guidance to Police (Aug 25) states:
3.39 The fact that a person has received treatment for certain illnesses or conditions does not make them automatically unsuitable to possess a firearm. It is one of the factors to be considered with all other evidence relating to the applicant’s character and history. In such cases, account should be taken of the most recent medical information, and particular attention should be paid to whether this suggests to the police that the applicant’s condition impacts on their suitability to possess a firearm including where the condition is liable to recur or fluctuate or is unstable.
This is a very clear – There is no automatic link between a condition and being unsuitable to retain a firearm.
Offer of voluntary surrender
Dependent on the condition and severity it may be necessary for police to remove firearms. This should be in exceptional circumstances.
If you are offered a period of voluntary surrender this may be in your best interests but does require careful consideration.
Read this article to properly inform yourself of potential issues surrounding such a surrender – Voluntary Surrender – offered or considering
What other help is available:
The following document is a leaflet produced by National Police Chief’s Council in partnership with shooting and mental organisations it offers further reassurance on this subject and avenues of further support.
FMH-England-and-Wales-PRINT (1)
In conclusion:
Over the years I have made hundreds of assessments relating to an individual’s mental health. If you’ve taken steps to get help, that shows courage, self-awareness, and responsibility. These are exactly the qualities that would reassure me and that build trust in our licensing system.
Do not suffer in silence, help is available and support should be expected.
If you’re unsure what to declare or how to approach the conversation, speak to your GP or licensing team. You deserve clarity, compassion, and support.