Mustaches, Physical Challenges, Fundraisers & More: What is Movember & Why Does It Matter?

What Is Movember?

Movember is more than just a month; it’s a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men's health issues and focused on topics like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Every November, people around the world raise awareness and funds to support these issues and respective initiatives. An idea that was started in a pub somewhere in Australia over 20 years ago has grown into a global movement. To raise awareness and funds to support men's health, men around the world grow mustaches and engage in movement challenges like running, cycling, or walking to spark conversations, shine a light on these issues, and thereby support impactful initiatives aimed at improving men’s health.

Why Movember Matters

Did you know: three out of four suicides are committed by men? And what’s even more striking: for those aged 15 to 29, suicide is the LEADING cause of death worldwide. Combined with the alarming rates of prostate and testicular cancer, these figures underscore the URGENT need for awareness and proactive action. Movember aims to change this by sparking conversations, reaching out to men, and funding innovative research that catalyzes preventive measures.

With their down-to-earth campaigns, Movember encourages men to share their struggles and SEEK HELP EARLY, creating an environment where talking about mental health is not just accepted but welcome. Like prostate and testicular cancer, mental health issues also benefit immensely from early intervention, with timely support significantly improving outcomes. Breaking the stigma around these issues is crucial, as it opens the door to conversations that can be truly life-saving. Find out all about Movember and their initiatives on their website.

The Hearts Wide Open Movember Campaign

As we deeply align with Movember’s values and mission, we’re thrilled to serve as an ambassador for Movember Europe this year! Our campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support men’s mental health and foster a community movement with the wider Hearts Wide Open family. We are engaging in various activities, such as moving 264 kilometers across the Netherlands (aka from East to West), growing mustaches, hosting storytelling nights, and other events with the goal to raise €1,500 for Movember. Keep up to date with our campaign via our Instagram channel and on our Movember page!

This year, we want to raise the stakes by collaborating with our Mobro Juriaan! You might remember him from episode 35 (link to YouTube) where he talks about his current challenge: CIRCLING THE GLOBE BY BICYCLE. Together we’re launching the “Healthy Man Challenge”.

People from all around the world, including you, are invited to join us in redefining what it means to be a healthy man! Share your own definition of a healthy man & healthy masculinity! This initiative invites everyone to contribute their insights and opinions, enriching our collective understanding of what it means to thrive as men. We want to shed a light on what individuals around the world from all walks of life believe "being a man" means to get a greater understanding of what this means outside of stigma and what media is showing us.

Get Involved With Us This Movember

What is your definition of a healthy man? Share your answer with us right here! You may end up getting featured on one of our podcast episodes or our social media channels. Share your thoughts in any form—whether a written text, poem, audio, video, or even a painting!

We invite you to join us in this important cause. Your support can make a difference. You can help us raise funds this Movember by donating to our campaign.

Follow @hearts_wide_open_podcast to stay updated on our Movember activities.

Let’s work together to support each other and spark meaningful conversations. 💚

For more information and to donate, visit our campaign page.

Let's go! 🚀

Tamara <3

PS: Sneak into the Hearts Wide Open living room and witness how the guys go from freshly shaved baby faces to growing beautiful mustaches