Men’s health webinar today: Fed members encouraged to register for today’s event

16 November 2023

A virtual webinar on men’s health is taking place today (16 November) and members are being encouraged to participate.

The online event, which is being organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), will begin at 10am and continue until 12.30pm.

It will take place on Teams, with the aim being to change attitudes and behaviour, while empowering men to open up about their health.

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell said: “There is definitely still a stigma surrounding men’s health. Police officers - both men and women - see so many horrific things, yet so many put on this invisible armour and feel they have to simply deal with their wellbeing without seeking medical help. 

“This webinar aims to change the way people look at health and mental wellbeing. While the industry is changing, and attitudes are changing - we still have so far to go, which is why it’s so important for as many members as possible to attend today’s event.”

Luke is reminding members that the event is for both men and women.

“Today’s webinar is not just for men, but for women too. This is an opportunity for women to find out how they can better support their male colleagues, friends and loved ones,” he added.

“Both men and women play an equal role in changing these attitudes and squashing the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Addiction and its impact on physical and mental health will be a running theme throughout the webinar, featuring a series of discussions, as well as a Q&A session. 

The webinar will be opened by PFEW’s Welsh co-lead Zac Mader, with the police service’s chief medical officer John Harrison leading the conversation on how his role can influence attitudes towards men’s health.

National board member Belinda Goodwin will talk about changing attitudes, how language and behaviour have a massive part to play, and the role female colleagues have in men feeling empowered to open up.

The webinar will also hear from Oswin Croft, from the charity Movember - a national campaign which runs annually throughout November and aims to raise awareness of men’s health.

Members will be able to ask questions during the sessions, with the Q&As hosted by North Wales Police Federation secretary Mark Jones and Essex Police Federation quality lead Matt Slade.

Click here to register.