York College & University Centre comes together to raise £1,800 for Movember!
This November, staff and students at York College & University Centre came together to support Movember, the global charity dedicated to improving men’s health. Through fundraising, physical challenges and meaningful conversations, the College community worked collectively to raise awareness of men’s mental and physical health and to show that supporting men’s wellbeing is something everyone can be part of.
A team of staff members led this year’s Movember efforts, with six men taking part in the more traditional side of Movember by growing moustaches throughout the month. Alongside this, the team wanted to make the campaign as inclusive as possible and ensure women could also play an active role in raising awareness of the struggles many men face.
Women who took part joined the Movember Movement Challenge, a newer initiative that encourages participants to move 60 kilometres over the month of November. Participants completed their kilometres in a variety of ways, including cycling, swimming, running and walking, making the challenge accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Partaking in the Movember Movement Challenge was Principal and Chief Executive Ken Merry who shared:
“I have been aware of the great work Movember does for a number of years, first growing a moustache for the cause in 2012. However, this year felt a little different. We have had more people across the community struggling with their health, both physical and mental.
“The idea of supporting Movember by moving more is something that I was delighted to do and, in fact, surprised myself by how much better I felt by having a goal to aim for.
“Across the college, we have a range of support available to those who need it. If you are suffering and need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to reach out.”
The number 60 holds powerful significance for Movember, representing the 60 men lost every hour worldwide to suicide. Highlighting this figure helped spark important conversations around men’s mental health and the urgent need for awareness, support and prevention.
As a team, staff and students collectively covered an impressive 1,150 kilometres throughout the month.
Speaking of his reasons for growing a moustache for Movember, staff member Matthew McMinn explained:
“My friend asked me if I would join, and so I wanted to support them in taking part. When I thought about it more, I realised my own connection to mental health.
“I have struggled with social anxiety in the past, and still do now, so to grow a moustache and raise money and awareness to get people talking about their own struggles was something I had to be involved in.”
Students also played a key role in the campaign. On International Men’s Day, the college Atrium became a hub of activity as students and staff took part in a rowing machine challenge. Together, students contributed 43 kilometres on the rowing machines, helping to boost the overall total while learning about the benefits of physical activity for both physical and mental wellbeing.
The day focused not only on movement but also on starting conversations. Physical activity was promoted as a powerful tool in supporting men’s mental health, helping to reduce stress, improve mood and encourage positive routines.
Alongside the physical challenges, several activities were designed to encourage reflection and discussion around positive male role models. Students were invited to share what they believe makes a “good man” by writing down key characteristics. The responses highlighted thoughtful and compassionate qualities, such as caring about others as well as themselves and having the bravery to talk about uncomfortable or difficult topics.
Students were also given the opportunity to recognise male members of staff who had made a positive impact on their college experience. In total, 160 responses were submitted, with students sharing messages of kindness, gratitude and appreciation. These messages have since been distributed to the nominated staff members, helping to create a positive and uplifting atmosphere across the College.
Throughout the campaign, students and staff also took part in creating content for social media, including Instagram videos where students spoke about their role models and staff shared advice and encouragement. These videos helped extend the reach of the campaign beyond Campus and reinforced the importance of open conversations around men’s health.
The initial fundraising target was £600 and almost £1,800 has now been reached. All funds raised will go directly to the Movember charity, which supports vital work in prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Movember is passionate about involving everyone in the conversation, recognising that improving men’s health takes collective action from all genders.
Reflecting on the Movember Movement Challenge, staff member Casey Joiner-O'riordan emphasised the importance of taking care of your own mental health:
“I chose to take part in Movember this year as it a special cause close to my heart due to a personal family loss. I wanted to help raise awareness of men's mental health and show that it is something that needs to be spoken about.
“People shouldn't suffer in silence about their own struggles and I hope this challenge has allowed people to become more open to these types of conversations. Although they can be difficult, they are beyond important.
“Throughout the challenge, I have faced a few of my own difficulties and I hadn't completed the distance until the beginning of December. I hope this shows that by doing what you can when you can, you can still make a difference. This also shows how crucial it is to make sure you're looking after your own mental health.”
Overall, Movember at York College & University Centre was about more than fundraising. It was about awareness, inclusivity, positivity, community and creating a space where important conversations could happen.
For more information on well-being at York College & University Centre, click here.
To donate to our Movember fundraising, click here.
