Movember: supporting men's mental health is even more crucial in 2020

Recently, we had the chance to talk to various Movember Ireland ambassadors about their involvement with the campaign, and its importance in their lives. Though the charity began as a way to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer in men, much of Movember's focus this year has been on mental health. That refocusing has to do with the fact that men's mental health has deteriorated rapidly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The charity’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. Globally, men die nearly 6 years earlier than women, for largely preventable reasons. Each year more than 500,000 men die by suicide around the world. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death globally among men aged 15-29.

TV presenter Darren Kennedy told Hot Press: "I've always been very cognisant of the effects that modern living has on us, and Covid feels like a multiplier effect. I think the rate of male suicide in particular is not being recognised or reported on, and it has skyrocketed during the pandemic."

It's not too late to sign up to participate. Grow a Mo, save a Bro. Sign up at ie.movember.com.