Moving for Movember
People across the UK are honouring Men’s Mental Health month with many charities and businesses raising awareness. Figures from 2022 show that 12.5% of men in the UK suffer with a mental health disorder and are 3 times more likley to die by suicide than women. However, the gender stereotype that men should be strong, resilient and independent can make it harder for them to talk about their mental health and seek support.
Local business owner Rob Hadley, and founder of new men’s mental health community group, ‘The Boys’, said mental health “means a lot, and people’s lives are dictated by their state of mental health.” He wants to raise awareness about how important it is for men to take care of themselves and is supporting Movember.
Rob Hadley said he struggles with anxiety and often felt alone as there was little support for men. His response to this was to create a local walking group.
Rob said “a rise in waters lifts all boats” he explained that “the idea behind that, is that by us going out there doing good stuff, it lifts our ship as well as the community around us.” Since setting up the community group “The Boys” in September they have gained over 300 followers on facebook and it increases everyday.
“The basis of the group is this; Mens mental health, and things going on in the community. It’s about friendship and being there for each other.” Rob continues and says they are just “A Group of lads who meet up and do things in the community, its sprinkling a little bit of fairy dust into the area.”
The boys will be hosting more events in the upcoming future with another local walk taking place in 2 weeks.
The Movember Foundation was set up in 2003 and quickly became a leading charity continuously changing the face of men’s mental and physical health. They strive to “help men live happier, healthier, longer lives” They fund more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, and transform the way health services support men.
This charity raised $137.2 million USD globally this year, following their theme “embrace your inner superhero” in partnership with gilettt and strive to do even better in 2025.
The Movember Foundation encourage everyone to be a men’s health hero and take part in Movember to raise funds and awareness of men’s mental health. Men are encouraged to ‘grow a mo,’ which is like wearing a symbol repersenting your support for healthier men and a healthier world. By growing a moustache, you show everyone who you walk past that mens mental health matters to you and can start important conversations. As well as this ‘move for mental health,’ this is how the order of mo remembers the 60 men suicide takes globally every hour.
Coventry University cricket team raised money throughout November by taking part in two challenges. They ran and cycled 347.4 kilometeres as well as growing their tashes raising £1218 for the Movember Foundation. Coventry university cricket spokespeson says “We will be back next year to support the cause”
Libby Dovaston