This November, the MorePeople team is once again embracing the moustache for Movember — a cause we’ve proudly supported for several years. While it’s always good fun (and a chance to compare some questionable facial hair), it’s ultimately about raising awareness for men’s health.
Movember began in 2003, encouraging people to grow a moustache to spark conversations and fund research into mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Since then, it’s become a global movement raising millions for life-changing projects that improve awareness, early detection, and treatment outcomes.
Leo, consultant for our Garden Retail division, tells us why he’s getting involved in Movember this year.
“My dad recently recovered from throat cancer, so the cause is one that hits close to home. Having also seen the effects of poor mental health among friends and family (especially men), I’m keen to raise both awareness and funds to help make a difference.
I used to have a moustache and secretly miss it, so Movember feels like the perfect excuse to bring it back for a good cause, and since starting this desk job, I’ve gained a few pounds, fortunately in my bank account, but less fortunately around the waistline.
I’m hoping the 60k run will help me fit into my trousers a little easier.
So everybody wins.”
Men are often less likely to talk about their health. In the UK, men account for around 75% of suicides, and one in eight will face prostate cancer. Movember helps break down stigma and reminds men to check in with themselves and with each other. For us at MorePeople, it’s a simple, visible way to support that message.
Harley, a consultant from our Operations division, tells us why he wants to grow a mo this Movember and support the cause.
“It's been over 10 years since I lost my mum and nearly 8 years since I lost my dad, so I spent all of my 20s a bit lost - pushing through uni solo, I never really came home, got into some bad situations and didn’t have much guidance from an outside looking in perspective. I didn’t ever seek any help or talk to anyone, and I think I probably wouldn’t be as quirky as I am if I had aired out the dirty laundry in the early days.
I think after trying to heal myself and experiencing how difficult it was, I feel that it's important that people don’t try to do it alone. Lots of people have struggles for lots of different reasons. I think on the spectrum of mental health, it doesn’t matter where you sit; the important thing is to understand that having someone there to help navigate how complex life can be is the best avenue to feeling better. Which is why I’m raising awareness this November!
Team Manager for Agriculture, Ryan, adds;
“This year, I’m supporting Movember - not just for the moustaches, but for what they represent: a conversation that desperately needs to keep growing.
Men’s health, especially mental health, is something deeply personal to me. I live with bipolar disorder, and I know firsthand how isolating and misunderstood mental illness can feel, especially for men. Society often tells us to "man up," to stay strong, to keep things bottled up. But strength isn’t silence. Strength is being honest about what we’re going through, asking for help when we need it, and supporting others to do the same.
Movember isn’t just about raising money; it’s about raising awareness, breaking stigma, and reminding men that it’s okay not to be okay. Every conversation matters. Every moustache grown is a symbol of change.
So this year, I’m growing mine to spark those conversations for myself, for the men I care about, and for anyone who’s ever felt alone in their struggles.
If supporting men’s mental health means one more person reaches out instead of suffering in silence, then every bit of effort is worth it.”
How We’re Getting Involved
A few members of the team are putting down the razors for the month to grow their Mos, while others are getting involved through walking/running 60km over the month of November, as well as an office Bake Sale and Mental Health Walk over lunchtime.
We’ll be sharing the progress of the mo’s during the month, too!
