November is here! As is the global rise in moustaches appearing on faces all over the world. But why?
Founded in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, the idea of Movember was imagined by two friends who wanted to bring moustaches back in fashion while also raising awareness for men’s mental health. In the same year, they were successful in recruiting 30 men to participate in their campaign.
By 2010, over $100 million had been raised, and the movement had 11 participating countries. Today, Movember has grown into a global mission to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health and as of 2023, 1250 mental health projects have been funded through the cause.
Participants, known as Mo Bros and Mo Sisters, are tasked with spending the whole month of November growing moustaches, running fundraisers to raise money and hosting events to create conversations and help break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Movember at the University of Stirling
At the University of Stirling, societies and clubs are getting involved. The Men’s Football Club are hosting a Pub Quiz to raise awareness, and the Dance Club are doing ‘Mo-mandments’, which committee members will complete when donation goals are reached. The Athletics team have also started a fundraiser for Movember. All funds raised are being donated to the Movember Foundation.
If you don’t grow facial hair, you can still get involved! Move for Mental Health is used to remember the 60 men lost to suicide every hour, around the world. To join in, you can run or walk 60 kilometres in one go or all throughout the month.
As the month of November goes on, expect to see a few more moustaches around campus and remember each one is supporting a powerful change. Whether you choose to grow a stache, get on the move or simply support through fundraisers, Movember is all about changing the conversation around Men’s Mental Health and breaking stigma. It is not just a moustache.
Featured Image: pixabay via Pexels
