Movember isn’t just about growing moustaches, it’s about starting conversations, raising awareness, and breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental and physical health. Every November, men around the world join the initiative in shining a light on suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
This year, we spoke to Rob Hird, a passionate advocate for men’s health, to hear his thoughts on Movember’s mission, the challenges men face surrounding health and wellbeing, and the steps we can all take to make a difference. His reflections shed light on why this movement matters more than ever.
What Men’s Health Means to Rob
When asked what men’s health means to him, Rob shared:
“For me, it’s about taking proactive steps to prevent illness, maintain fitness, and prioritise mental health. When I get older, I want to stay healthy to avoid serious illness and watch my children grow up.
Movember is about recognising that men might face pressures to appear strong or avoid vulnerability, which can lead to neglecting health concerns. It means breaking those barriers, encouraging men to seek help when needed, and promoting a balanced lifestyle to ensure a long, healthy, and fulfilling life, not just during November, but all year round.”
This resonates with Movember’s core message: prevention is key. Whether through fitness, regular check-ups, or mental health practices, small proactive steps can lead to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
The stigma around mental health “There’s strength in opening up”
In England and Wales, men die by suicide three times more often than women. Around eight men take their own lives every day, totalling 3,000 deaths each year. Despite the higher suicide rate, men are far less likely to seek help. Only 36% of NHS referrals for talk therapy (such as counselling or psychotherapy) are for men.
When discussing mental health, Rob acknowledged the challenges men face in opening up:
“The majority are probably not comfortable. They fear the judgment of being seen as weak, especially amongst other men. But there’s strength in opening up.”
Rob has found that talking to trusted family, friends, or colleagues is invaluable during challenging times:
“If something is on my mind that’s making me anxious and I can’t shake it, I talk to my family, friends or colleagues. Getting their advice helps ease my worries and takes some of the burden off.”
Movember helps break the stigma around men’s mental health by sparking conversations and creating safe spaces for men to share their struggles. If opening up to a loved one feels overwhelming, professional support is available through resources like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or trusted organisations offering confidential help:
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You’re never alone, and there’s always someone ready to listen.
The importance of physical health
Physical health is another key factor of Movember. Prostate and testicular cancer remain major areas of focus, and Rob highlighted the importance of staying proactive with checks:
“I have a family history of prostate cancer, which statistically increases my risk. It’s a real concern of mine, but I take proactive steps, like getting checked, to ease my concerns.”
If you’re unsure where to start, Rob suggests scheduling routine screenings and learning about your risk factors:
"Prostate health is something every man should prioritise, especially as they age. Signs and symptoms aren’t always obvious, so routine screenings are essential. Talking to trusted colleagues helped me book my first check-up, and I’d encourage others to do the same."
Regular check-ups, such as prostate screenings, are essential, even if you feel fine. Awareness of early signs and risk factors can save lives. You can check if you are at a higher risk of prostate cancer by taking this 30-second risk checker.
In addition to check-ups, Rob recommends staying active to manage stress and maintain overall health:
"The gym is my go-to for releasing stress and staying fit. I also enjoy paddleboarding and going for walks with my family—it’s about finding activities you enjoy and sticking to them."
Rob’s Advice for Men
Rob’s advice is simple:
"Taking these small steps can make a big difference to your mental and physical health."
Join the Movember Movement
Movember is an opportunity for everyone to take action, whether it’s:
Every small step counts. To learn more or get involved, visit these resources:
As Rob reminds us:
“Men’s health isn’t just a man’s issue. It’s something that affects families, friendships, and communities. The more we talk about it, the better things will be.”
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice from a healthcare professional.