Catriona Nunn From a small Welsh town to shaping national conversations on men’s health, York alumna Becky Riffel (Derwent, 2011) has carved out a career driven by empathy and purpose. Working in healthcare communications and with Movember, she’s helped bring attention to wellbeing, social mobility, and inclusion. Her story reflects York’s shared commitment to improving men’s health and building stronger, more connected communities through research and collaboration.
“I came from a tiny town in Wales – a place where most people stay and life keeps a steady rhythm,” Becky begins, her voice reflecting both nostalgia and determination. “Going to university was always my goal. I just wanted to get out, see more of the world, and push my horizons as far as I could.”
From her beginnings in a small town, Becky’s journey was defined by the drive to find new things and learn, a journey that eventually took her from York’s historic campus to the frontlines of healthcare communications and men’s health advocacy. “There wasn’t really much guidance at school about what you could do or where you could go, so I had to figure a lot of it out myself. That’s made me passionate about championing social mobility – especially with the 93 per cent Club and helping people from similar backgrounds step into spaces they might not have imagined possible.”
At York, Becky thrived on the sense of community in Derwent College, playing netball and hockey, and even interviewing bands for the student newspaper. “Those first moments at York – getting involved in college life and interviewing The Only Ones – gave me a taste for connecting with people and amplifying their stories. It was a good foundation for everything I’m doing now.”
Becky’s leap into healthcare communications came unexpectedly, courtesy of a family connection with the NHS. “I’d studied history, but it was the skills – talking to people, writing creatively, managing events – that pointed me toward PR. My first job in NHS Leeds opened my eyes to the real impact communications can have: from sexual health campaigns to Olympic-inspired staff fitness drives, to working closely with patients through the patient liaison service. It was incredibly rewarding, and I saw firsthand the difference good communications make in people’s lives.”
After cutting her teeth in regional healthcare, Becky moved to London for more opportunities, joining agencies both big and small, working her way into business and health policy with a focus on mentorship and support for young professionals. “I set up a remote internship programme with the Social Mobility Foundation at Hanover, to help people outside London break into the city’s PR industry – knowing how hard it is if you don’t have the connections. That was one of my proudest moments, especially when our programme won awards.”
Becky believes flexible working is key to the future of workplaces and sees remote and flexible work as key to inclusion. “Remote work opens doors – especially in PR, where the range of backgrounds enriches everything we do. Empathetic leadership, understanding different needs and abilities, and amplifying people’s strengths should be the direction for every workplace.”
In recent years, Becky’s career has taken on a new dimension through her work as Policy Director at Movember. “What Movember has done for men’s health is incredible. When I was seconded to work with them, it meant helping drive forward the first Men’s Health Strategy – a real policy change that will hopefully help improve men’s access to tailored mental and physical health services. Women’s health has seen a surge in awareness these last few years, but men’s health issues – mental health, prostate care, and beyond – are just as real and deserve the same attention.”
Becky also finds a deeply personal connection to this work. “Men’s health matters to me; not just professionally but in my own family. I’ve seen the men in my life face both mental and physical health challenges. Building communities where they feel safe to speak and seek support is vital.”
Her work with Movember culminated in a visit back to York, collaborating with experts like Professor Paul Galdas, an internationally recognised researcher and leader in men’s health, at the University, during the Movember mental health roadshow on campus. “It was a full-circle moment, seeing what my university is doing for men’s health, and being part of a lasting change.”
As part of York’s commitment to advancing men’s health, Professor Paul Galdas has been appointed Chair of the Men’s Mental Health Taskforce, a flagship pillar of the £7 million regional “Moving Forward” programme. About his long standing partnership with Movember, Paul says:
“Our partnership with Movember has shown the power of clear, targeted communication to reach men who might otherwise disengage. At York, our research builds on that insight, translating evidence into practical strategies that help organisations engage men in ways that feel relevant, human, and effective.”
This initiative, launched by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, aims to tackle some of the region’s most critical health challenges, including high rates of poor mental health and suicide among men, especially in high-stress or isolated occupations. These developments are driven by evidence-based research and a shared commitment at York to build stronger communities, ensuring men receive timely, tailored support when it is needed most.
Recognition came unexpectedly for Becky, who was named among a prestigious ‘35 Under 35’ list. “I never thought I’d be there, especially coming from my background. Confidence was always a challenge, but I realised my journey is not just about personal achievement – it’s about helping others. Through mentoring, running campaigns, and shining a light on unsung NHS heroes during Covid, I felt the impact expand outward.”
Her advice to young alumni and professionals rings with empathy: “Have confidence in your own voice. Even when starting out, your opinion is valid – advocate for yourself and build your network. For those of us without ready-made connections, networking and asking for help are how you get your foot in the door. And always help others when you can.”
As a communications leader, Becky’s mission is simple: “Do as much good as you can for as many people as you can, for as long as you can. I try to bring a little more kindness and good into the world, with every project I take on.”
Becky’s next steps include completing her therapy qualification and taking a career break – a rare pause in a non-stop journey: “I want to bring back even more energy and creativity. My legacy, if any, should show that there’s no set path – you just need determination and the courage to play to your strengths and dream big.”
You can find out more information on Professor Paul Galdas’ work on the university news page.
For more information about supporting men’s health at York, please contact Philanthropy Manager, Audrey Bounaix at audrey.bounaix@york.ac.uk
