Meet the students taking on Movember

Did you know that men are less likely to seek help, whether that’s for mental health support or maintaining their physical health?

Through our Time to Talk? campaign, we want to make sure all our students feel supported and informed when it comes to your mental health and wellbeing. We know how important it is to talk openly about how you’re feeling, and throughout this month we continue to shine a spotlight on men's mental and physical health.

Movember is a global charity campaign held throughout November encouraging men to grow moustaches, raise some money, and get people talking about men’s health.

We caught up with Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences students Will Colman and Will Dean (pictured below) who are this year’s Movember student ambassadors on why they’re passionate about supporting the cause.

 (L-R: Will Colman, Guild Sports Officer Abhijeet Patel, Guild Activities and Employability Officer Sean Ryan and Will Dean) 

Why is Movember a cause that matters to you personally?

Will Dean (WD): As the Wellbeing and Inclusivity secretary for UBRFC (University of Birmingham Men’s Rugby Union) I have a keen interest in player welfare and supporting people’s mental health within sport. So many young men find themselves playing sport in school, at university and in early adulthood - it can be such a good thing for many. But when life isn’t how you expected it to be or it’s hard to balance it all, I think sport is the first place it really shows. I have seen it in others, and I have been that person, so to make a change through taking part in Movember is special.

Will Colman (WC): Unfortunately, I have a condition known by the term XLA, which means my body cannot produce antibodies. Living with a lifelong health condition has had a significant impact on my life and, at times, my mental health but playing rugby and the support of my family and friends has really helped me. Because of my own experiences, I can relate to others who have been diagnosed with serious medical conditions, and I'm passionate about raising awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health.

Why do you think it's important for students to get involved in conversations about men's health?

WD: I think it comes down to our experiences, we can learn so much from others. Men especially are not always as open to talk, but sometimes what you might have to say, or what you need to hear, can make a real difference. Someone else may have been through a similar situation, or they may be able to offer a different perspective. We never know the impact a conversation can have, but listening and supporting one another can do more than we realise.

WC: Sometimes, men feel like they can’t talk to anyone about how they’re feeling or what they’re going through as it’s “not manly” however having those conversations can save people’s lives. I think it’s crucial that young adults check in on each other, talk and get any help to overcome what they’re facing.

How can people donate or support the campaign?

WD: Growing a Mo (moustache) is the most well-known way of supporting Movember but you can move for Movember or host a 'mo-ment' such as quizzes or sports tournaments. We have so many great societies at UoB, and we'd love them to help spread the message by signing up to Movember and creating a Mo Space, their own personal fundraising profile. Once signed up, search ‘University of Birmingham’ on the Universities challenge page. You can also follow us on Instagram (@Movember_UoB) to find a link to the challenge page and what events we have on during the month for you to come along to and help raise money and bring awareness.

Good luck to Will and Will on their fundraising efforts!

As Movember highlights, looking after our mental and physical health is so important. Check in on your friends, make time for meaningful conversations and it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. Whatever you're going through, big or small, check out our full range of Mental Health and Wellbeing support available to all students on our Time to Talk? student intranet page.