We're shining a light on an issue that affects so many but is still too often left unspoken: men's mental health.
Yesterday was International Men’s Day, and this month is also Movember! So we're shining a light on an issue that affects so many but is still too often left unspoken: men's mental health.
Throughout this month, QMSU Sport are rolling out a series of initiatives designed to support you, create space for open conversations, and promote wellbeing across our community. From light-hearted activities to open discussions - there's something for everyone and we hope it encourages all of us to check in, speak up and look out for one another. So whether you're looking to connect with others, access support, or simply try something new, we hope you'll get involved in whatever way you can. And yes, impressive moustaches are always welcome!
Why not use Movember as a chance to try out our Get Active programme? Each session is £2, and all proceeds will be donated to Movember & Talk Club. All equipment will be provided, and you don’t even need any prior experience! Sessions are open to everybody, and next week there’s Archery, Climbing, Strength Training and even a Men’s Stache Dash Glow Run / Walk. See you there!
Advice and Support
Talk Club - We hear it all the time, "Don't talk about it. Man up." But deep down, we all know that makes things worse. Talk Club encourage men to "open up" through the question "How are you? Out of 10?". This is the basis of their male mental fitness community. We're partnering with Talk Club for our on-campus sessions, but they also offer their own Talk & Move and Talk Club Therapy sessions. Together they're working towards their mission of helping every man over 18 become mentally fit and redefine what it is to be a man. Find out more about them here.
On-Campus Support - Your wellbeing matters to us and there's always plenty of support available here to help you feel your best. It's normal to have ups and downs and if you've noticed a change in your mood or energy recently - you're not alone. Keeping active, getting outside when you can and staying connected all help build your resilience. Please reach out for support if things feel a bit much. Not sure what support you need? Check out the Wellbeing at Queen Mary page or contact us if you need any support. We're here for you!
Get involved in Movember
Movember is the global movement that's made moustaches iconic every November. But more importantly they're a leading charity for men's health. They aim to raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding men's mental and physical health, encouraging men to seek help with any challenges they face. This includes many issues that often go unspoken - mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. What started as mates growing dodgy facial hair has become a worldwide conversation starter about men's wellbeing.
Queen Mary Football Club are back fundraising for Movember, straight after raising £8000 for UNHCR in their 2-1 charity football match win against Kings. Several members have braved the baby face look to grow out moustaches for the month, with a few of the team offering to take on challenges when a certain amount is raised - which started with "egg the footballer" last week. Follow their progress @QMUFC and visit their Movember fundraising page to track their progress and donate.
This month Barts Rugby Club are growing their mo's and also completing runs of all the London tube network in aid of the Ted Senior Foundation, a charity focussing on men's mental health. They're 6 lines down and have had over 25 club members take part so far - with many 30km individual runs taken on as part of a relay. Last year they raised over £20,000 for the charity, so find out more about their efforts this year and sponsor them by visiting their fundraising page here or following @BartsRugby on Instagram.
If your Club and Society are fundraising for Movember we'd love to share what you're doing. Tag us in content @QMSU and @QMSU_Sport or email us on su-sportsadministrator@qmul.ac.uk