What is Movember?
20 years ago in 2003, two men met up in a bar for a quiet beer in Melbourne, Australia when their conversation turned to fashion trends, old and new. Moustaches were mentioned and the pair joked about how it would be funny to try and bring them back… And just like that the idea behind Movember was born! However, it lacked a purpose beyond just trying to bring back the “Mo”.
Inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for Breast Cancer at the time, they found their purpose – “Grow a Mo and save a Bro”, dedicating their fundraising efforts to Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer. Since then, the Movember Foundation has grown at an astonishing pace. With 21 official campaigns worldwide, over £873.9 million has been raised, providing funding for over 1300 men’s health programs over those 20 years.
This money has helped countless men access vital support groups and mental wellbeing therapies across the globe. Together, we have all helped save men from dying too young, together, we will have saved a father, a brother, an uncle, a husband, a friend… we will have saved a bloke.
Microlise does the Mo
Throughout the month of November, we had a number of events taking place for everyone to get involved with, driving engagement with Men’s Health & Wellbeing. Several of us in the UK and Australia have been sporting a Mo for the cause too!
As a team, Microlise Mo’s (UK) raised £745, and Get Around the Mo (AUS) raised a staggering $4544! Together, we have raised over £3,000 which is enough to put four men through a full 10 week programme of therapy, or enough for two men to start chemotherapy treatment for prostate cancer! Together we could very well have saved the lives of at least four men, and for that, we are eternally grateful!
Boardgame Social
Social connection is the foundation of health, in a world that is increasingly remote/hybrid, opportunities to connect in-person are dwindling, and so is our health. For men, the data is clear, prostate/testicular cancer and suicide rates are on the up, it is important that we take a step back, build connections, and start having uncomfortable conversations.
We held a boardgame social at our Head Office in Nottingham, with plenty of coffee and snacks to keep everyone going. Whilst encouraging some friendly competition in a game of Ludo or Guess Who, we encouraged employees to start a conversation around Men’s Health and raise awareness of the difficulties we all face – but may not openly talk about.
Men’s Health Webinars
Throughout November, several webinars we are available to all employees, courtesy of our private medical insurance provider, Vitality and their Coaches Wellbeing Programme:
- Men’s Cancer Awareness with Check4Cancer
- Men’s Health with Celtic FC – Changing the Game
- Juggling Self-Care and Responsibilities as a Male Parent – Dad Chat
A massive thank you to everybody that helped throughout the month of November with arranging events, raising awareness of and drumming up support for Movember, and to each and everyone of you legends that donated! Up the Mo!