Federation members encouraged to back the Force's Movember challenge
4 November 2025
West Mercia Police’s Men’s Health Network is again taking up the Movember challenge and is encouraging Federation members to get involved.
Movember is a global men’s health movement focused on tackling key health issues, including mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
For West Mercia Police Men’s Health Network, it’s become an annual fixture that brings officers and staff together in support of an important cause.
The Force has twice been recognised by Movember as the UK police force raising the most money in a single campaign year, and organisers hope to build on that success.
Indeed, over the past three years, the Force has raised more than £18,000, and the network is aiming to raise £2,000 to take it past the £20,000 milestone.
A key part of West Mercia Police’s Men’s Health Network is its group hikes.
Federation members are being invited to join the team and help raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
Activities can range from growing a moustache to running, walking, swimming, or setting their own challenge.
Participants’ fundraising pages can be linked to the West Mercia Police team on the Movember website, helping to track the Force’s collective total.
One of the featured activities is the 60km challenge. People are encouraged to cover 60km across the month to represent the 60 men who die by suicide globally every day.
Network chair Inspector Fergus Green is taking on the challenge, combining running, hiking, and treadmill sessions to reach the distance.
Movember
Fergus said: “It’s the equivalent of three 5kms a week, which for me is definitely a challenge as I’m not a natural runner.”
This year’s Movember campaign began on Saturday with a 10km walk across the Long Mynd in Shropshire.
The walk was open to all West Mercia Police officers and staff, and aimed to bring colleagues together to promote the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and connection.
These walks have become a key part of the Men’s Health Network’s work, creating safe, informal spaces where officers can spend time together and support one another’s wellbeing.
Fergus said: “Getting outdoors, spending time in nature, and being part of a supportive group can make a real difference.”
Men's health
The Men’s Health Network was founded around six years ago. The network covers a broad spectrum, from tackling stress and sleep issues to raising awareness of testicular and prostate cancer. Mental health and suicide prevention are also major focuses.
Fergus said: “One of the key challenges in relation to men's health is men not engaging, not wanting to talk about their health, not wanting to be open about it.
“By joining a group and actively getting involved can help overcome barriers.”
Visit the West Mercia Police section of the Movember website to support the team.
