Grow your Mo: Everything you need to know about supporting Movember 2020

It’s that time of year again, and here’s how you can help

Between the bustle of Halloween and Christmas, there’s a very special and important time of the year. Throughout the month of November, supporters of men’s health charity Movember will be raising funds for men’s health around the world. And this year, it’s more important than ever to play your part.

Whether you’re a total newbie to Movember, or just want to know how to get involved safely in 2020, here’s everything you need to know about the cause.

What is Movember?

Movember is a charity that raises money for men’s health causes. It is the leading charity that supports men’s health, and is characterised by its unique trademark – the Movember moustache.

Founded in 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world – “challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.”

Men die on average six years earlier than women, largely from preventable causes. By 2030, Movember wants to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%.

The charity’s aim to help men lead longer, happier and healthier lives – something we can all get behind.

What are the causes that they raise money for?

There are thousands of distinct projects that Movember has funded, but they all fall under three main categories:

1. Mental health and suicide prevention: Movember distinctly looks at mental health through the male lens, supporting suicide prevention, early intervention and promotion of healthy habits. On average, one man dies by suicide every minute of the day, and 60% of all suicides are men.
2. Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men globally, with more than 1.3 million men diagnosed every year. In Ireland, there are 30,500 men living with the effects of prostate cancer. Movember supports cancer research in this area, as well as advocating for early action, helping men to know the signs and symptoms.
3. Testicular cancer: Testicular cancer has a very positive survival rate of over 95% but it is also the most common cancer in young Irish men, and the long-term side effects from treatment can be debilitating.

Who can get involved?

Anyone can become a MoBro or MoSis – the charity’s supporters include families and friends of those affected by the above conditions, as well as thousands of men around the world supporting each other.

What can I do to raise money?

This year, like many other charities and causes, Movember has had to take a step back from live events and gatherings. However, there are still plenty of ways you can help while staying safe.

1. Grow a moustache: The Movember trademark. Start by registering your Mo Space on the website, and begin this month with a clean shave. Throughout the month, grow and maintain your moustache, and feel free to document your progress on social media to raise money. At the end of the month, take a picture with your shiny new Mo and be proud of the funds you’ve raised.
2. Move for Movember: If you’d like to put your new-found lockdown fitness levels to the test, try out the Move for Movember challenge. Movember is asking supporters to run 60km over the course of the month, in honour of the 60 men who are lost to suicide worldwide every hour. Sign up and share your donation link, before braving the elements.
3. Host a Mo-ment: You can host a virtual event in support of Movember this month, like a Zoom pub quiz, a competition or just to gather your mates together. As long as you raise some funds for Movember, you can get creative.
4. Mo your Own Way: Use your imagination in how you can support Movember. You might take up a physical fitness challenge, or kick a bad habit, like smoking, for good. Rally the troops behind your cause and use it as motivation.

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