Movember - Beyond the Moustache

Posted on 4 Nov 2025

Each November, Movember sparks conversations, and moustaches, in support of men’s health.

But beneath the surface lies a serious call to action.                                 

Movember shines a spotlight on four major health issues that disproportionately affect men:

* Prostate cancer

* Suicide prevention

Men are often reluctant to speak up, seek help, or prioritise their health. In workplaces across Rochdale and the UK, that silence can be deadly. Movember is a reminder that health isn’t just personal, it’s a shared responsibility.

Men’s Health in the Workplace

Rochdale’s economy is built on sectors where men make up a large part of the workforce - manufacturing, construction, engineering, logistics, and technology.

Yet the statistics are sobering:

- 1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men.

- 75% of UK suicides are men.

- Many men don’t talk about how they feel, even when they’re struggling.

As we focus on regeneration and growth, it’s vital we remember: a healthy workforce is the foundation of a healthy economy.

Building a Culture of Support

The workplace can be a powerful place to promote awareness and early action. Movember encourages organisations to: 

- Start conversations about mental health, in team check-ins, staff rooms, and leadership circles.

- Share information about cancer awareness, signs, and when to get checked.

- Promote access to occupational health services and local wellbeing support.

- Encourage a culture where it’s OK not to be OK, and it’s OK to talk about it.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or a large employer, here are simple ways to take part this Movember:

Grow a Mo
Start a conversation with your upper lip! Grow a moustache and use it to raise awareness, and funds, for men’s health.

Move for Movember
Commit to walking or running 60km over the month - one kilometre for every man lost to suicide each hour, every day, across the world.

Host a ‘Movember Moment’
Take 15 minutes in a team meeting to talk about men’s health, signpost to support, or share a personal story (with permission).

Fundraise as a Team
Start a fundraising challenge in your workplace, moustache contests, bake sales, fancy dress Fridays, and donate to the Movember Foundation.

Spread the Word
Share content on your internal comms or social media using hashtags like #Movember and #MensHealth. Visibility breaks stigma.

Movember in a Regenerating Rochdale

As Rochdale invests in its future through innovation, infrastructure and inclusive growth, supporting the wellbeing of its people is essential.

Let’s use Movember as a reminder that:

*Prostate checks save lives

*Talking about mental health changes culture

*Supporting men’s wellbeing strengthens our economy and communities

Because real change isn’t just about growth in GDP or square footage, it’s about the people behind the progress.

For more information visit uk.movember.com

Bee Seen, Get Screened - Supporting Cancer Screening in the Workplace

Bee Seen, Get Screened initiative, a Greater Manchester-wide campaign helping employers support cancer screening uptake in the workplace.

By taking the pledge, your organisation is committing to:

Giving employees time off or flexible working conditions to attend cancer screening appointments.

Supporting Answer Cancer in raising awareness about the screening programmes available to your staff.

It’s simple to get involved, just follow these 3 steps:

1. Tell your employees

3. Keep the conversation going

For more information including signing up to the pledge, assets and other materials click HERE

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