​Movember began in 2003 when a group of friends in Melbourne, Australia, decided to grow moustaches for fun. What started as a light-hearted idea quickly evolved into a global movement dedicated to improving men’s health. Every November, participants are encouraged to grow moustaches, move 60 kilometres, or host events such as the MorePeople Cake Sale on 12th November 2025!! to raise awareness and funds.

The campaign focuses on tackling some of the biggest health challenges men face today: mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Movember supports programs that help men open up about their struggles, seek help early and build stronger social connections. It also funds research and community initiatives in over 20 countries, all with one goal to help reduce the number of men dying too young.

Why this matters to me...

Movember became especially meaningful to me after finishing university, when I lost a good friend to suicide. He was someone I’d shared the hockey pitch with, endless pints at the pub and had countless conversations about life post graduation. His sudden passing made me think deeply about what he must have been going through, something none of us in our friendship group had realised, and it made me reflect on my own experiences.

In the year that followed, I faced my own mental health challenges. The transition into working life brought pressure, uncertainty, and a constant sense of questioning. Like many others, I stayed silent, believing that asking for help was a sign of weakness. That belief was damaging, and it’s something I’m still working to unlearn.

That’s why Movember resonates so strongly with me. It challenges the stigma surrounding men’s health and encourages honest, open conversations. It helps remind men that vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s a sign of strength.

Mental health in the workplace...

The importance of movements like Movember becomes even clearer when we look at the reality of mental health at work. As some of you may know, at MorePeople I recruit for HR roles, and with my degree in HR, I have learnt a lot about workplace expectations and the toll it has on mental health.

Around 76% of employees report moderate to high levels of stress, and 63% show signs of burnout, from exhaustion to disengagement. More than half experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, and nearly half (46%) admit to working even when they’re not well enough to perform their duties. The main causes are often high workloads, difficult relationships at work, and persistent fatigue.

 These challenges don’t just affect individuals; they have a major impact on organisations too. Mental ill health is now the leading cause of long-term absences, accounting for 41% of all sick days and costing UK employers an estimated £57.4 billion each year. Yet there’s a clear return on investing in mental health support; for every £1 spent, employers can gain up to £5.30 through reduced absenteeism and turnover. Supporting initiatives like Movember helps workplaces not only raise awareness but also take meaningful action towards creating healthier, more compassionate, and more productive environments.

Making a difference...

Movember’s impact goes far beyond growing moustaches. The movement supports a wide range of initiatives that make a real difference, including:

Funding mental health programmes: that focus on early intervention

Supporting research and treatment: for prostate and testicular cancer

Raising awareness: through community engagement and education

This November, I’m taking part in Movember to support these life-changing causes. Whether it’s growing a moustache, moving 60 kilometres to honour the 60 men lost to suicide every hour, or simply starting conversations that matter, every action helps support meaningful change. If Movember can help one more man open up, reach out, or hold on, then it’s worth every step, every conversation, and every moustache!