November has been Movember at Oundle School with twenty members of staff participating in raising funds for Movember (Reg Charity number: 1137948), a charity which raises awareness on Men’s Health, particularly mental health and male cancers such as testicular cancer and prostate cancer.
Three out of four suicides are males, and one in eight men have experienced a mental health issue.
Geography teacher and event organiser, Philip Pitcher commented, “The purpose of the month was to raise both funds and awareness on these issues with our pupils. Although largely aimed at males, all pupils were asked to think about gender specific cancers and how they can keep an eye out for signs of change that may save their lives. Alongside this we all wanted to break down any barriers which prevent pupils talking about these issues – to get conversations going and encourage pupils to look out for each other.
We also wanted pupils to understand that age is no guarantee of being cancer free. As an example, nearly 50% of testicular cancer cases diagnosed each year fall in the 15-34 age bracket.”
Poster displays, break time fundraising events and the growing of moustaches has prompted much discussion at Oundle School, and have provided visual aids to promote the aims of Movember, which concludes with a judging of the winning moustaches.
It is hoped that the staff involved will raise around £1500. Donations can still be made at: https://moteam.co/oundle-staff
Philip added, “It is really important to raise awareness of these issues within schools, particularly how to self-check for gender specific cancers. My hope is that pupils will normalise conversations around these issues and support each other in a bid to reduce unnecessary deaths.
It has been great to see so many staff and pupils talking about these issues; and the array of moustaches has been a source of great discussion (and humour).”