Movember 2021: A Conversation To Continue...
Monday 30-11-2020 - 23:23
"Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends are facing a health crisis, yet it's rarely talked about. Men are dying too young. We can't afford to stay silent." (Movember Foundation)
This year, just as before, Movember has provided us with an important opportunity to cast a collective light on the issues facing men.
Together with people from around the UK and our MDX community we came together to recognise and further the conversations of men's health, aided by the celebration of the moustache.
We are proud to be able to give you a small insight into some of the activity we and groups from across MDX took part in to support the Movember cause, as well as to take the chance to remind you of just how important it is to keep this conversation going. From the MDXSU Raising and Giving (RAG) Society to the MDX Men's Rugby Team the work put in to build this conversation has been incredible to see.
British spoken-word artist, poet, and rapper George The Poet wrote and recorded this poem in support of Movember to draw attention to the crisis in men's health. It provides a good reminder of just why this campaign is vitally important and what you can do to support the cause.
Movember 2021 at MDX
In recognition of the month of Movember the MDXSU Raise and Give (RAG) Society launched a competition encouraging individuals, or groups of up to 6, to create the most creative moustache possible. Check out there Facebook Page for more information and some of their own fabulous moustache as they explain the importance of Movember and how you can enter.
Middlesex University's Men's Rugby Team have also been showing their support for the Movember cause and raising money in the process by growing their own moustaches. In their own words; "as most of you will know this is an incredible causse and we appreciate everyone's support". See below for a selection of the amazing moustaches they've grown or head over to their instagram page for info on how you can support their efforts.
Middlesex Sports also held a MDXMoves Movember Challenge, asking students and staff to create the most flamboyant moustache (real & fake) for the winner to take home 2,000 extra MDXmoves points! Middlesex Sports and MDXSU also hosted The Big Movember Quiz fundraiser for students and staff.
A Conversation To Continue...
As we move past Movember and rightfully recognise the efforts of the MDX Community, it is important to be reminded that the issues highlighted by Movember continue to exist 365 days a year.
Men are dying approximately six years earlier than women, and most commonly as a result of easily preventable causes. The Movember Foundation recognise three of these and wish to encourage men, and those close to men, to open up about both their physical and mental health. By encouraging men to talk openly about their physical and mental health the likelihood of them getting checked or seeking support is drastically improved. It is okay not to be okay.
Check out the Movember Foundation for yourself to find out what they do and how you can get involved.
Need Support
As we've said before it is okay not to be okay, and the current global pandemic has impacted us all in different ways. If you are impacted by any of the issues raised above or need support with your wellbeing please do not hesitate to get in touch with the University Wellbeing Team at unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/counselling-and-mental-health.
If you are interested in getting involved with MDXSU's mental health campaign you can sign-up to be part of our new student-led campaign working groups at mdxsu.com/campaigns.
