Join us for an exclusive Women in Defence UK networking evening on Wednesday 6th November, with Michelle Partington, Woman of the Year 2018. The evening is made possible by our wonderful Event Partner, DXC Technology.

At the Women in Defence UK Awards 2018, Michelle won both the Special Award and Woman of the Year for her extensive work since retiring from the RAF.

Joining the RAF as an Aircraftwoman in 1991, Michelle reached the rank of Sergeant before commissioning as a Medical Support Officer. After 23 years’ service in the RAF as a frontline paramedic, and indeed as the first female paramedic with the RAF Regiment, Michelle was medically discharged with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Michelle was living a daily nightmare and could initially see no way out except to plan to end her own life.

Michelle set up a foundation called ‘Behind The Mask’, providing free online support to help other individuals stuck in a nightmare. She has also now set up a business in delivering mental health first aid training and awareness workshops. In October 2017 Michelle joined a 90-strong team of athletes to compete in the Invictus Games as part of Team GB, in both rowing and powerlifting.

Michelle’s story has been covered on TV, following her journey since being diagnosed with PTSD. She hopes her inspirational story can provide hope to others that they can overcome adversity to have a good quality of life. As Michelle says: “You walk away from one fight only to walk into another, but it is one that you can win if you want to”.

At this event, not only will you have the opportunity to hear Michelle’s remarkable story but you’ll also be able to network with a diverse audience drawn from right across the defence enterprise during the dedicated networking part of the evening following Michelle’s talk. Our aim is to bring people together to create contacts and networks, share experience, expertise and inspiration.

Plus, drinks and nibbles are included too.

Anyone working across defence is welcome.

BOOK NOW