Movember Returns With Hopes For Even More Conversations About Mental Health

When Movember returns, the group hopes its iconic mustache will serve as a "powerful catalyst for change" and conversation about men's mental health.

Synonymous with men with mustaches or beards, Movember takes place every November and seeks to raise awareness of men's mental health issues.

"The mustache is a conversation starter, it's a powerful catalyst for change," Sarah Coughlan, Movember's global director of men's health advocacy, told the PA news agency.

"This conversation and awareness is very important and continues to show its effectiveness.

“Men may come to us because they think growing a mustache will be fun, but in reality they're learning more about health risks, they might ask dad about prostate cancer in the family, a friend might notice. whose behavior has changed and who have the skills and confidence to reach out and be there.

The 48-year-old, from Bromley, London, added that he was "funny and sarcastic" and a symbol of change for men.

"It puts men in a really vulnerable position every day, looking in the mirror and fixing their mustache and wondering what they can do to improve their health and the health of those around them."

Some mustachioed specimens even use their movements to try to gain approval during job interviews.

"We hear amazing stories of people interviewing with a mustache and it's like breaking the ice and making them stand out as a candidate and have fantastic networking skills," he added.

In addition to the beautiful facial hair, Coghlan notes that if the cause could be summed up in three words, they would be: "Walk, Talk, Billboard," to emphasize that any challenge to publicize the cause can be overcome.

Coghlan, who has been with the charity for 15 years, said he wanted to "bring the holy mustache to the northern hemisphere" from Queensland, Australia, and was delighted to see the campaign "going from strength to strength".

"Today, the UK is the world leader in our registration, participation and fundraising, which is always great to see," he added.

Figures from Movember show that the UK 2021-22 campaign, which runs until April 2022, has raised US$26.1m, or more than £14m, with 88,650 registered participants.

Since 2003, the charity has funded more than 1,250 men's health programs around the world.

He added that Movember created a sense of community among attendees.

“I always feel connected to the community because of the stories we hear about what Movember means to people growing up and finding like-minded people who want to do something for men's health. ", - She said:

"The truth is that men die younger than women, mostly from preventable causes, and we can all play a part in helping the men in our lives live long and happy lives."

Many citizens faced various challenges this year, climbing mountains and crossing oceans to make mustache pizza.

"It doesn't have to be big, it's a symbol or a visual sign that says I know something is happening among men and I want to be a part of that conversation and a movement for that change." he added. .

Movember Health Talk. mental health and suicide prevention