Derrick Gidden – Chairman

Hi there! I’m Derrick Gidden, the Founder of Men’s Health & Wellbeing Group (Midlands) .

With a background in International Business Consulting, I’ve ventured into championing men’s health and wellbeing, driven by my own quest for better health guidance. Recognizing the need for accurate information and support, I established this initiative to create a space where men can share knowledge and experiences to lead healthier lives.

My journey began when I encountered questionable medical advice, which spurred me to create our self-help group. As Founder, I’m dedicated to ensuring our community has access to accurate resources and support for its well-being.

Despite my professional endeavours, I’m an avid advocate for staying active and healthy, believing in the power of sports and leisure activities for overall wellbeing.

Dr Jacquie Halliday-Bell – Medical Adviser

I’m Dr Jacquie Halliday Bell, a medical doctor with 36 years of experience. I currently work as an out of hours GP and as a Consultant Occupational Health Physician advising on everything from fitness for work to sickness absence and retirement due to ill health.

As Medical Adviser to the Men’s Health & Wellbeing Group I volunteer my time to support the team and help strengthen the group’s health offering. This includes helping with funding applications, recommending expert speakers and sharing useful events and initiatives from across the sector.

I also offer free confidential 20 minute consultations to subscribing members providing advice and signposting to help men access the right care quickly and appropriately. Outside of work I love praising God on my soprano saxophone and snorkelling in beautiful places during my travels.

Glenville Salmon – Secretary

I’m Glenville Salmon, Secretary of the Men’s Health & Wellbeing Group. I was active and pain-free right into my mid-50s, regularly playing sports and keeping fit. Recently, though, time has caught up with me and I’ve had to start thinking more seriously about my health.

That’s what brought me to this group: a space to reflect, share, and connect with like-minded men who are on the same journey. I find real value in having open conversations about wellbeing; this community has become essential.

Aidan Adkins – Tackle Prostate Cancer

I’m Aidan Atkins Co-Chair of Tackle Prostate Cancer and a long-standing supporter of the Men’s Health & Wellbeing Group. In 2015 during a routine work medical I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer with no symptoms and no family history.

Since then I’ve undergone surgery, radiotherapy, hormone treatment and chemotherapy. I now run the Solihull Prostate Cancer Support Group support others in Sutton Coldfield and started a national Zoom group for men with advanced prostate cancer. I also deliver awareness talks for Prostate Cancer UK and act as a patient advocate with the West Midlands Cancer Alliance.

After leaving my corporate role as Director of Organisational Development at GKN I retrained in coaching and now help men become buddies to support others facing a diagnosis. Living with stage 4 cancer I’m passionate about exercise and staying mentally and physically strong through it all.

Michael Behan – Wellbeing Facilitator

I’m Michael Behan, creator of the Just A Thought programme, a wellbeing approach that helps people understand how their thoughts shape their lives.

My work focuses on helping others see that it’s not events or people that create anxiety but how we perceive them through our own beliefs and thinking. By understanding how we think we can begin to shift those patterns and reconnect with a sense of clarity and peace.

Most of my free time is spent studying mental health and wellbeing always looking for new ways to help people realise they are okay just as they are. Through Just A Thought I’ve seen how powerful it is when people learn to trust their minds and return to a more balanced state of being.

GORDON GAYLE – COMMITTEE MEMBER

I’m Gordon Gayle, a Committee Member of the Men’s Health & Wellbeing Group.

For over 20 years I worked in sales and marketing as an Account Manager, covering a range of industries and products.

A routine blood test initially flagged signs of diabetes but further checks revealed my PSA levels were high. Within six months I was undergoing daily radiotherapy for a month. Thankfully I’m now in the all clear and doing well.

What truly helped me through that time was having a friend who had been through the same experience just four months earlier. Being able to talk to someone who understood made all the difference. Without that support I would have found it much more difficult. Sharing the load is so important and it’s why I’m proud to be part of this group.

BARRINGTON ROBINSON – ADMINISTRATOR

I’m Barrington Robinson, a Marketing Specialist with over 30 years of experience, currently focused on digital marketing and lead generation for local service businesses.

While I’ve been fortunate with my health for much of my life, the moments when it hasn’t been great have truly reminded me that health is wealth. These experiences sparked my decision to get involved with the Men’s Health & Wellbeing Group.

Joining this community has allowed me to connect with other men on similar journeys, all striving to take better care of ourselves. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and supporting each other to live healthier, more balanced lives.

Meet The Team