Introducing the Men’s Support Network
We are excited to announce the launch of the RNLI Men’s Support Network – a safe, inclusive and supportive space for men across the organisation, with a focus on promoting positive mental and physical health.
The RNLI’s Men’s Support Network will be committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding men’s mental and physical health, across all areas of our organisation — from the challenges faced in search and rescue operations, to the different pressures experienced by those in other teams.
Join our first event on Wednesday 30 July
Please be aware that this session will touch on suicide.
We’re excited to be welcoming Andy Man’s Club to talk to us about men’s health and support.
RNLI volunteers and staff can join online at 1pm on Wednesday 30 July – all are welcome.
What will the Men’s Support Network do?
We aim to encourage open dialogue and peer support, as well as signposting to internal and external support services and specialists, with the support of our Occupational Health Team.
We will focus on critical issues such a suicide prevention, early intervention for health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer, and men’s wellbeing, through peer support, education and collaboration.
Amy Russell, the RNLI’s Inclusion Lead, says: ‘The Men's Support Network will create spaces for discussions around men's health and mental health, providing support to have difficult conversations and raise awareness of the stigma and difficulties of talking about some of these challenges.
'The Men's Support Network will work alongside our five other people networks, as they support the RNLI to consider and embrace all aspects of a person's identity.’
Who can join the Men’s Support Network?
The Men’s Support Network is open to everyone at the RNLI: anyone who would like to get involved, regardless of gender, role, or location.
Who will lead the network?
We will be putting together a volunteer team to lead the network, and we will be welcoming applications from all areas of the organisation.
If you are interested in helping to lead the Men’s Support Network, please keep an eye out for more information on the available roles and how to apply.
How do I join the network?
Like our other People Networks, the Men’s Support Network will have a mailbox that people will be able to reach out to – we will update the Inclusion page on the Volunteer Zone with more details in due course.
In the meantime, we invite you to come along to our first session on 30 July and look out for more ways to engage with the network in the near future.
Thank you for your support.