What's Movember actually about?
We've all heard of Movember, month of the moustache, but what's it actually about? What does a moustache actually mean?
During Movember, anyone who can is supposed to grow a moustache, a beard or whatever little stubble you can manage are supposed to keep it, don't shave it and show it off. 1 month of growing the fanciest 'tache you can, and if you can't? Personally, we'd recommend a fake moustache. Either that, or just support your closest moustache bearer. So, you can grow it or wear it, but what's the point?
2003, Melbourne, Australia, a few guys get together and grow some moustaches for donations. Why? For mens health, basically. Movember is about men's health and raising funds to help it out. Specifically - prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. You grow a bit of facial hair to 1: symbolically raise awareness, and 2: to actively raise funds. People can sponsor you and your 'stache's growth, then you can send that money off to charities who can do something about the health issues at hand.
As an example of what not to do, here's Charlie during his college days, with potentially the worst moustache in the country. So, you're growing your facial hair and want to know what to do next? Assuming you're sponsored, you can send your charity to funds off to Movember. If not? Go sign up for one here.
If that doesn't tickle your fancy, there are always much more Wigan and Leigh local groups you could support. A few examples being Andys Man Club, ManLeigh or Wigan Angels Group (if your gender identity isn't stereotypically male.) for mental health, specifically, a problem we do quite care about here at Healthwatch.
What if you don't want to raise funds? You don't have to. You can grow for fun, in solidarity, or you can go the extra mile and make a difference in your community. Go out, talk to men - maybe not just even men - about their mental health and give them an opportunity. Check yourself - and other men if they let you -, for testicular cancer. Engage in your local community and local charities. Want to know what to join in on? Follow our social media, we're constantly reposting and spreading awareness for Wigan and Leigh local groups.
So, to recap, Movember is all about mens health, mental and physical. Here at Healthwatch we'll be getting involved, we recommend you do to. Even if you don't engage with the charity aspect, it's a good bit of fun. Merry Movember! (is that the right holiday??)
