Time to ‘grow the mo’: Take part in annual men’s health campaign

31 October 2025

Suffolk Police Federation members taking part in ‘Movember’ could be in with the chance of winning a prize.

Movember is a global campaign focused on tackling key health issues, including mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

And one of the ways members can get involved is by spending the month of November growing a moustache.

Here in Suffolk Police, members are encouraged to send in a picture of their Movember moustache by 2 December to wellbeing@norfolk.police.uk.

The best moustaches from one Suffolk officer and one staff member, and from one Norfolk officer and one staff member will win a prize kindly donated by Suffolk and Norfolk Federation branches and Unison.

 

 

Movember, which is now in its 23rd year, is also about raising awareness and starting potentially life-saving conversations.

Growing a moustache is not the only way to get involved. Members can move for mental health, host a ‘mo-ment’ event, or ‘mo your own way’ and set up a challenge of their own.

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris, who has previously spoken about his own mental health experience, is encouraging people to get involved.

Movember

He said: “Movember, like other awareness events, is a reminder that we’re all human and will experience health issues at some stage, be that physical or psychological.

“It’s important that people understand that it’s okay to speak up and seek help. I’ve spoken about my own experiences with my emotional wellbeing, and I know how important it is that we look after ourselves and one another.

“Taking part in Movember isn’t just about growing a moustache, it’s about growing awareness and understanding.”

Cancer survivor

Branch vice-chair Matt Paisley, who is a cancer survivor, is also passionate about encouraging men to prioritise their health.

Matt has used his experience of testicular cancer to encourage officers to ‘listen to their body and their loved ones’ when it comes to their health.

Darren added: “We can all be guilty of ignoring symptoms or brushing things off. Movember is the perfect time to remind ourselves, and each other, to get checked and to take our health seriously.”

Movember webinars

Throughout Movember, the Men’s Health and Wellbeing Network is running a series of powerful and engaging webinars.

They will cover everything from mental health and wellbeing to cancer awareness and resilience:

• Movember Matters – A talk by a Movember Executive on men’s health and wellbeing
  A Movember executive will be sharing powerful insights into the importance of the month and the movement behind it.

  It takes place from midday to 1pm on 6 November. Click here to join.

• The key to new levels of resilience, clarity and potential – In the face of any and all challenges

  Join Dr Aaron Turner and Flavia Dalzell Payne for an insightful session on clarity and resilience.

  It takes placed from 2pm to 3pm on 7 November. Click here to join.

• Men’s health matters: raising awareness of testicular and prostate cancer

  Join Dr Gordon Muir for a potentially life-saving conversation on prostate and testicular cancer awareness and the power of early detection.

  It takes place from 10am to 11am on 11 November. Use this link to join.

• DT38: testicular cancer awareness talk
  Join the charity DT38 in breaking the stigma and talking openly about men’s health, particularly testicular cancer.

  The talk takes place from 1pm to 2pm on 17 November. Join the charity DT38 talk here.

• Voices heard, lives saved: raising awareness with the Listening Place
  Join the Listening Place for a powerful discussion on suicide prevention and the importance of listening.

  It is taking place on 20 November from 11am to midday. Use this link to join the webinar.

• STG breakfast club with Marlon Dixon. Find the key to happiness

  A motivating session on wellbeing, inclusion, and positive psychology in policing.

  The session will take place from 9.30am to 10.30am on 26 November. Join the webinar with this link. 

Meanwhile, an Optima Health podcast is now available to stream featuring expert insights to break the silence around men's health.

Positive difference

Darren ended: “Whether you’re checking in on a colleague, taking on a challenge, or simply attending a webinar, your actions can make a positive difference this Movember.”

See below for key Movember-related links.

Raise funds for Movember or donate here: https://uk.movember.com/donate/

Find out more about prostate cancer here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/

Find out more about testicular cancer here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/

Find out more about men's mental health: https://headsupguys.org/

The 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line is now available for anyone working in policing, who is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. Call the Crisis Line on 0300 131 2789.