MENS HEALTH PODCAST
physical feats that Loz has achieved. Not long after the Shield Run, Loz turned
his attention to helping police officers and staff suffering from physical and mental health issues. With support from the Curtis Palmer Program, Loz took part in several events to raise money, including helping to push an injured serviceman in a wheelchair to the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. This resulted in raising money for a new wheelchair to vastly improve the serviceman’s quality of life. From there, it was a 24-hour race
to raise money in support of a former firefighter diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), helping to fund his flat conversion to make it fully accessible. Not stopping there, Loz then completed the Three Peaks Challenge – climbing the highest mountain in Scotland, England, and Wales – raising £3,000. On World Cancer Day in 2022, Loz climbed Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England, along with the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner, friends and family. On World Cancer Day 2023, he climbed Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales. He also undertook the Devizes to Westminster canoe race, which covered 125 miles and took months of training around his chemotherapy. Loz has been
unstoppable in his efforts to help others. He also showed his solidarity for police widow Lissie Harper, walking 20 miles while carrying the weight of Andrew Harper. Another task saw him team up again with the Curtis Palmer Program for three days’ hiking and five days’ canoeing, leading a team that included people with MND, cancer, severe burns, and PTSD, as well as military amputees.
These are just a few of the many feats Loz has accomplished over the past two and a half years. Meanwhile he spreads the word about pancreatic cancer on podcasts, internally within policing and across the wider media landscape. Loz haș also taken the time to sit down
to talk with others around hard-hitting health topics, both mental and physical, and although this podcast with the Men’s Forum could hardly be described as ‘light’, it is both powerful and inspirational. In fact, it’s an essential listening. Chief Inspector Stewart Codling from the Thames Valley Police, who chairs the TVP Men’s Health Forum, told
Loz East being presented with the 2023 Inspiration in Policing Award by former Home Secretary, Rt. Hon. Suella Braverman KC MP, PFEW National Chair, Steve Hartshorn, Flint House Chairman, Jon Carter-Lang, and Flint House CEO, Sophia Majaya
POLICE: “Loz’s openness, courage and determination in facing this situation is incredible. We’re so grateful to him for taking the time to record this first podcast with us, especially given the personal nature of the discussion. “The podcast aims to tackle some
“Part of the work centres around providing information and guidance, but it’s also primarily about providing a safe environment where men’s health topics can be discussed.”
really difficult topics from a man’s perspective and I recently was pleased to highlight some of the work we are doing with PFEW’s National Board member Zac Mader.” Zac, who helps oversee the PFEW projects on mental health and wellbeing, added: “After hearing this podcast, I was incredibly moved by what Loz spoke about. I think the work that the TVP Men’s Health Forum is doing is fantastic and I want to help to encourage my colleagues to reach out if they need support on issues such as health, addiction, or any other difficulties. Problems don’t go away if they are ignored or brushed under the carpet and that is why initiatives such as these are so important. They offer a safe environment for people to tackle some really difficult topics, even if initially it is just through the privacy of a pair of headphones”. Resources such as ‘The Kettle is always on’ are vital in helping tackle a number of
issues which are of crucial importance to men. Issues such as male cancers, mental health and various forms of addiction can be difficult topics for men to discuss, however, their importance should not be understated. Part of the work centres around providing information and guidance, but it’s also primarily about providing a safe environment where these topics (and other related subjects) can be discussed.
The PFEW is working on initiatives which will also support this ‘safe space’ approach. The aim of the initiatives is to explore a number of topics that some people may not initially be open about. This may be through podcasts or other resources that facilitate thought and encourage openness. The PFEW also highlights various other campaigns through the year dealing with topics such as prostate cancer and mental wellbeing. As with many things, the initial approach is to offer information and encourage engagement before helping individuals break down any barriers in order to seek appropriate help.
You can find the TVP Men’s Forum podcast by searching for ‘Thames Valley Police Men’s Forum: The Kettle’s Always On’.
If you need specific help and support, please contact your local Fed rep or Federation branch.
15 | POLICE | FEBRUARY | 2024
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