This November, DCU students and societies are forming teams and taking on growing moustaches, running 60 kilometres, and donating money for Movember to raise awareness for men’s health issues.
Every November, people around the world are encouraged to grow a moustache, “Move for Movember”, “Host a Mo-ment”, or “Mo Your Own Way”.
This is to raise money and awareness for men’s health issues. Movember launched in Ireland in 2008, it works with issues involving men’s health such as prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
This year, during the pandemic, it is more crucial than ever to prioritise physical and mental health. While taking on the Movember activities, students and societies, such as DCU LGBTA, DCU Film Society and DCU Drama, are aware of the importance of this subject and men’s health issues.
“Movember is important to me as part of my trans(gender) identity,” Chairperson of DCU LGBTA Tadgh Jenkins said, “it makes me feel like one of the lads because I can participate this year.” He will ‘Grow a Mo’ this month for Movember.
Jenkins explained how important it is to have the conversation that needs to be had surrounding men’s health, “so hopefully not everyone feels like they have to just suffer in silence.”
DCU FilmSoc Chairperson, Shane Heffernan said: “[Movember]’s important to me because mental health among men is something that probably doesn’t get enough attention, despite the many people that die each year by suicide.”
This month, DCU Film Society will “Move for Movember” by walking or running 60 kilometres over the month. They will be representing the 60 men who are lost to suicide every hour around the world. Heffernan will also “Grow a Mo” this month.
DCU Drama is another society taking on the 60 kilometres this Movember.
“I’m doing the 60k challenge because it’s a great motivator to get out and moving,” said Gráinne Henry, Chairperson of DCU Drama. “I just think it’s such an easy fundraiser for great causes that everyone can take part in.”
DCU has already raised over €9000 for Movember from the great effort made by students and societies.
Get involved by signing up on ie.movember.com. Here you can take part on your own or with a team hosted by one of the DCU clubs or societies. You can also donate to DCU teams fundraising and spread awareness for men’s health issues this month.
Ceri Doyle