Movember - We grew more than just moustaches

Growing a moustache isn't just a challenge and looking like a detective from the 70’s, it’s about raising awareness around men's mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. It’s about getting people to notice and discuss men’s health. 

It’s OK not to be OK campaign on the UPSU website has a range of support services available to all students - It's OK not to be OK UPSU. In addition, the University of Portsmouth provides well-being support that students can access - University of Portsmouth - Health and wellbeing.

Movember takes the initiative to make change happen and enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Since 2003, Movember has gained the support of over 6 million Mo Bros and Mo Sisters to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. The charity funded over 1,320 men’s health project’s annually.

If you are interested in finding out more about the charity, the type of projects it funded and the impact Movember had on men’s health, have a read through their website: Movember.

Movember Activities

To get people talking about men’s health and show their support, Mo Bros and Mo Sisters took part in various activities to show their solidarity and raise funds. 

1. Growing a MO 

To kick off the start of Movember, Mo members took up the clean shaven look. By the end of the month, there are funny moustache competitions to see the growth processes. The moustache gets people laughing and talking about men’s mental health but most importantly it symbolises solidarity and a stand for healthier men and a healthier world.

Have a look at the MO progress of some of our officers:

I’ve grown a Mo for the last 4 years and taken part in several different fundraising activities. It's always great to see the UoP community get involved in this campaign - huge shout out to all societies, groups and sports clubs that have got involved!! Connor Sutherland, Welfare Officer at UPSU

2. Move for Movember

Mo members strived to walk or run 60km throughout the month! This was a great way to stay active, socialise with others taking part but also ‘speak’ up through actions for the 60 men lost to suicide every hour worldwide.

What are our targets this year? Let’s take a look!

• 🏃 Moving target -> 58 385 km 🏃
• 💰 Funds target -> £18 000 💰

Keep a look out at @uopsport on Instagram for an update on how we did!

‘It has been an incredible opportunity and experience being the Student Ambassador for Movember at the University of Portsmouth this year, and being able to represent such an impactful charity and help it’s cause. Seeing the energy and commitment from all our clubs and students aimed at fundraising has been inspiring, and together we have collectively help to raise awareness and vital funds to support men’s health. These efforts truly make a difference, and I am excited to see the Portsmouth Student Community continue to grow it’s impact in the years ahead.' - Lotte one of our Movember Ambassadors

3. Donate to Movember

Mo members helped fund men's health initiatives to save and improve the lives of men. Since 2003, how many funds do you think Movember raised? An impressive £945.8 million!

In 2023 alone, 20 countries contributed to raise £71.9 million for men’s health. In the United Kingdom, £19.2 million was raised of which 80.5% was allocated to men’s health projects such as Prostate Cancer UK.

❓ How much do you think Movember raised this year? ❓ 

Keep a lookout on the financial updates on the Movember - Financials website. Every penny counts in improving the life of men.

Whether you grew a moustache, ran a mile, or just showed up, every effort counts! This Movember, we didn’t grow just moustaches - we grew awareness, support and community making a lasting impact on men’s lives.

❗Here’s a challenge for you ❗- What small thing can you do today to check in on someone?