Founded in 2003 by two pals in an Australian pub, Movember was created with one goal in mind - to stop men dying too young.
Every November, men around the world let their moustaches grow free in a bid to bring awareness to men’s health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer, and to start more conversations around men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
Since its conception two decades ago, Movember has brought with it a wide array of funky lookin' mo's ranging from a few faint whiskers beneath the nose, not generally visible to the naked eye to triumphant, hedge-like filaments perched proudly above the lips of their possessors. Thin or thick, dark in colour or inexplicably ginger, all furry facial accessories are valid and contribute to the wider conversation surrounding men's health.
This year, Movember has partnered with the mobility app FREENOW to help raise vital funds, increase awareness, and drive more conversation about men’s health here in Ireland.
A number of Irish male public figures joined the movement’s launch, including TV presenter and Olympian Greg O’Shea, Love/Hate actor John Connors, TV presenter and influencer James Patrice, and model and actor Carl Shaaban.
FREENOW drivers come into the equation as conversationalists, as many conversations in taxis extend far beyond the usual "busy tonight?" back and forth. According to research conducted by FREENOW 15% of drivers say they regularly come across passengers who are struggling with their mental health and a further 39% say they do so on occasion.
Almost half (46%) of drivers always talk to passengers in the car but only 12% of drivers say mental health & wellbeing is discussed with more general topics such as the weather, sport, and current affairs the most talked about subjects., and a further 39% say they do so on occasion.
Sadly, 46% of drivers say they never talk to anyone about their mental health.
In Ireland, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and
approximately 170 men in Ireland are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. These cancers are highly treatable, but early detection and awareness of the symptoms is key.
FREENOW partnership
In a bid to assist Movember with their vital fund and awareness raising, FREENOW have launched their Round Up to Donate in-app feature, which allows passengers round up their
trip to the nearest euro with the difference being donated directly to Movember. The feature will be in place for the month of November and right through to February 2024.
Together with Movember, FREENOW is also hosting virtual talks and training for its
drivers’ partners in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Germany. The talks will cover mental
health, relationships, and self-care.
You can get involved by taking part in one of Movember’s fundraising challenges, which include growing a mo for the month of November, walking or running 60km across the month or hosting a mo-ment to raise awareness for men’s health issues.
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