World Suicide Prevention Day: West Mercia Police network tackling men’s health issues
10 September 2025
The Men's Health Network supports officers and staff on issues ranging from mental health to male-specific cancers.
Founded around six years ago, it is chaired by Inspector Fergus Green, with Inspector Karl Pierpoint as deputy.
“There’s a lot of research that tells us health outcomes for men and boys are generally worse than for women and girls,” said Fergus.
“Men are often less likely to seek support or see their GP, and societal pressures like ‘man up’ discourage men from opening up about problems. We’re trying to change that.”
Cancer
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 is also a major focus.
A staff survey carried out shortly after the network’s launch revealed childcare and work-life balance as key concerns for male officers and staff.
In response, the group created a ‘dad’s pack’ to highlight paternity leave entitlements and flexible working options, and encourage fathers to take up the support available.
“Flexible working is for everyone, but too often it’s only mums who apply,” Fergus explained. “We want dads to know the same options are open to them.”
To cut through busy inboxes, the network has experimented with innovative ways of getting out its messages.
For instance, QR codes were placed on the back of toilet doors — directing staff to NHS guidance on cancers and mental health — proved an effective tool.
The Force’s Blues and Views podcast has also become a popular platform, with episodes covering sleep, stress, healthy eating and, most recently, alcohol misuse.
Fergus said: “The sleep podcast remains one of the strongest listened to.
“Nearly two years on, colleagues still tell me they’ve just discovered it. That’s really nice that the message is getting out there.
Webinars, including one recorded with a local prostate cancer support group, have provided practical resources for staff, sometimes at critical moments.
Support
Fergus said: “I was contacted by a colleague who had a member of their team who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and they're looking for how to support this person.
“I had all the literature, and could put them in touch with someone with experience of going through prostate cancer, and all the support groups that he recommends.
“If we can help just one person, it makes it all worthwhile,” Fergus added.
November is arguably the network’s busiest time of year, as the team spearheads West Mercia Police’s Movember fundraising.
Since forming its own Movember team, it has raised nearly £18,000 for men’s health charities — earning recognition as the top emergency services police fundraising team in both 2022 and 2023.
“In 2023 we raised more than £8,000 and received a nice little plaque for our efforts,” said Fergus. “We’re really proud of that success.”
Men's health
Fergus also spoke highly of the dedicated members of the Men’s Health Team, such as PC Sian Stockton, who has raised more than £10,000 for Movember and has supported the team with year-round activities.
“She’s a fantastic champion for men’s health,” Fergus said.
The Men’s Health Network meets every six weeks to plan activities and is keen to recruit younger officers and staff to carry the work forward.
Fergus hopes to establish a network of ‘health champions’ who can visit shift briefings to share advice and raise awareness.
“Ultimately, we’re not medics,” he said. “Our job is to highlight signs and symptoms, dispel myths, and signpost people to support.
“If we can empower men to look after themselves and talk about their health, that’s how we’ll improve men’s health.”
Personal
For Fergus, the mission is also deeply personal.
“I saw a gap in what was provided for men within the organisation. Staff networks are hugely valuable, but before this there wasn’t one that represented me,” he said.
The tragic suicide of his friend and colleague, Dane Rolleston-Lowe, underlines the importance of the work.
“It feels like the job is never done,” he reflected. “Police culture is changing, but societal expectations remain. We may not solve everything, but if we can make it easier for men to talk and seek help, then it’s worth it.”
If you would like to find out more about the Men’s Health Network, then contact the Federation.
* If you are struggling with your mental health, you can contact the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line – designed for police officers and staff – day or night on 0300 131 2789.
Alternatively, call Samaritans (available 24/7) on 116 123 or the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (available 6pm to midnight every day) on 0800 689 5652.
