Movember: Meet our Men’s Network co-chairs

Movember is about promoting conversations about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. By promoting open dialogue on these topics, the campaign works to break down the stigma that often prevents men from seeking the help they need, empowering them to take proactive steps in managing their health.

Every November, men in the UK grow a moustache as part of the campaign, which is supported by many charities with the aim to raise funds for the cause.

As part of Movember, we had a chat with our co-chairs for the Men’s Network, Dominic Mundy, Assistant Director of Experience, Participation and Health Equalities and Zubair Patel, Senior Programme Manager to find out a bit more about their roles, why they wanted to become co-chairs and what the network has planned for the upcoming months.

Career background

Dom has worked across the NHS for the last 11 years in several differing roles, from Communications to Operational Management. He has worked across Patient Experience at CLCH for the last seven years and most recently has taken responsibility for the Health Equalities team. Dom has worked directly on the Health Equalities agenda since the development of CLCH’s Promoting Equality and Tacking Inequalities Strategy was launched in 2021.

Dom has a passion for improving access to services for each of the communities served by CLCH across London and Hertfordshire, working closely with community groups to ensure the voice of the patient, relative, carer is at the heart of everything that is done at CLCH.

Dom is also a Trustee for the Men’s Mental Health Charity ‘Men Who Talk’ where he supports men to achieve good mental health through the medium of chat.

Zubair brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as co-chair of the Men’s Network, drawing on a multifaceted career that spans industries and sectors.

With a professional background that includes roles across local government, the civil service, mental health, community services, investment banking, and charitable organisations, Zubair has served in positions ranging from Business Analyst to Head of Service, as well as various Project and Programme Management roles.

In his current role as Senior Programme Manager within the Department of Improvement and Communications, Zubair has dedicated over seven years to the Trust, significantly contributing to the Performance and Insight Team and building a reputation for excellence and impact.

What motivated you to take on the position of co-chair for the Men's Network?

Dom: Zubair is my inspiration and has been someone I have always wanted to collaborate with, and so I took the opportunity to do so through the Men’s Network. I also wanted to build on the success of ‘Talk Club’ which has now been running across CLCH for the last couple of years and brings men together to talk. I am hopeful the Men’s Network can grow on this success and encourage a greater number of male colleagues to come together and talk.

Zubair: Volunteering has long been a passion for me, particularly to support men in areas such as mental health and career advancement. From youth centres to personal mentorship, I am committed to making a difference in people’s lives. This position as co-chair of the Men’s Network is a natural extension of that commitment, providing me a broader platform to continue to make positive change within the Trust.

For those unfamiliar, what is the purpose of the Men's Network?

The Men’s Network is designed to be a supportive and confidential community where members can openly share personal experiences and offer each other peer support. This network aims to address the specific issues affecting men in healthcare, fostering an environment where they can discuss challenges and seek guidance without judgment.

What upcoming initiatives or events does the network have planned?

Under Zubair’s leadership, the Men’s Network at CLCH has mapped out an ambitious schedule of events for the coming year. Notably, the network will actively participate in awareness campaigns such as Movember and Men’s Mental Health Month, offering programmes that bring focus to crucial topics and engaging colleagues in meaningful conversations around men’s health and wellbeing.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the men’s health?

One message Dom and Zubair are both particularly passionate about is the need for greater awareness around men’s mental health. Alarming statistics show that three out of every four suicides in the UK are by men, with nearly 12 men losing their lives to suicide each day. Dom and Zubair firmly believe that continued conversation is essential to changing these outcomes.

For more information about Movember, please visit the Movember website.