A message from Garry Cook, A/Executive Director, People, Culture and Safety
In Australia, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men - one in six Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
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November brings us Movember, and we can all take part.
Men’s health is in crisis - men are dying on average six years earlier than women and for largely preventable causes. At CFA, we have a strong focus on both physical and mental health - and many of our people are getting involved in Movember to show their support.
Movember isn’t just about prostate cancer; the movement covers testicular cancer as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
Almost all of us will have been impacted in some way by cancer or mental health issues, whether it be personally or through friends or loved ones. Movember is changing the face of men’s health and we are proud to support this effort.
At CFA, we are continually developing our services to support our people with both their physical and mental health. There are numerous ways our men, in particular, can improve their overall health and wellbeing, as well as get support for themselves or their families.
The CFA Intranet pages for Health and Wellbeing provide information on what is available, including the Member Assistance Program which provides 24/7 access for our people and their families to wellbeing support services.
We also have the Your Health portal, which provides information to assist CFA people in taking steps towards managing their health and wellbeing.
Movember is a reminder to those around us that we’re here to support them. The movement also allows people to raise money for a variety of worthwhile causes related to men’s health. In 2018, Movember raised $29 million in Australia, and $102.9 million worldwide.
The funds raised in Movember in 2019 will go to 16 different causes, including cancer specialists, mental health training and care programs, and Indigenous mental health support programs.
For those who cannot grow a mo, you can make as much of an impact as those who can. You don’t need to grow a ‘stache to take part - you can join “Move for Movember” or host an event in celebration of the month-long event.
Don’t shave it for later, head to the Movember page and sign up to take part now.
Start your own team or you can join the general CFA team. Stand up to tackle prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention this Movember.
And if you’re not sure about how a moustache will look on you, don’t worry - it will grow on you.
We can make an even bigger impact by taking some personal responsibility and booking in to see the GP for a check-up. Movember is the perfect time to take action when it comes to your health.
CFA Wellbeing Support Line
If you are not okay, 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.
The support services include the Member Assistance Program with Psychologists and Counsellors, Traditional and Career Firefighter Peer Support Programs, Chaplaincy Program, Bullying and Harassment Hotline, Let Me Know web-based app, Centres Against Sexual Assault as well as other services provided by the Organisational Wellbeing team.
To view the complete range of services, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/wellbeing
Author: Garry Cook