CFA members are hoping the growing awareness of men’s health issues will continue as the Movember campaign comes to a close.
Wallan Fire Brigade is among the many CFA brigades across the state that have been participating this year, and lieutenant Travis Gray said the importance of talking about men’s health has motivated him to keep signing up.
“I first started participating in Movember when I was in the Royal Australian Air Force, but I’ve done it here with the fire brigade for the last few years which has been great,” said Lt. Gray.
“We don’t have the biggest Movember team, but we do get a lot of people talking about men’s health which is the key issue.”
Many CFA members have spent the month focussing on growing moustaches, setting physical challenges, or holding events to raise awareness of the issues of mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
More than $30,000 has been raised by CFA brigades across the state, and the organisation is among the top five in Movember’s First Responder Challenge.
Last minute donations can still be made to participating brigades through Movember’s CFA page and while the month of November is coming to an end, Lt. Gray said the conversations around men’s health are important year-round.
“We’re always at the station on Sundays and have a coffee and a chat before any maintenance, and it’s the same with Wednesdays at training.
“My motivation is the fact that everybody has a bad day at some point, and the best thing people can do is just talk about it, whether that’s with your friends or with professional help.”
“And of course the work that our peer team does for CFA members is unbelievable. They’re the quiet heroes and it’s a fantastic program.”
CFA Wellbeing Support Line
If you are not OK, or if you notice a change in someone you know, contact the CFA Wellbeing Support Line on 1800 959 232 to access free, confidential support that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Wellbeing services are available to all CFA volunteers, employees and their immediate family members.
To view the complete range of services, visit http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/wellbeing