It’s that time of year again when those who can, grow silly moustaches, and all for a really worthy cause — say hello to Movember.

Back in 2003, two friends (Travis Garone and Luke Slattery) meet up for a quiet beer in Melbourne, and the idea that sparked Movember is born. The moustache had all but disappeared from fashion trends. Could they bring it back? They found 30 participants willing to take up the challenge. The following year, the guys, inspired by the Mo’s ability to generate a conversation, decide to take things to the next level, registering the Movember Foundation and creating a website. The idea goes from strength to strength and gains incredible momentum, growing into a worldwide movement, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for the fight against cancer and depression.

Today, it is generally accepted that the state of men’s health is in crisis. Men experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier. Prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years. Testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last half century. Three quarters of suicides are men. Poor mental health leads to half a million men taking their own life every year. That’s one every minute. One. Every. Minute. Think about that.

Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends are facing this health crisis and it’s not being talked about. Silence is no longer an option.

The Movember Foundation is uniquely placed to address the crisis at a global level. They are funding ground-breaking programmes all over the world, engaging with men where they are, to understand what works best, to help make change happen sooner.

Their goals may be big, but the impact of doing nothing is bigger. We all need to act. Now.

So, what can you do to support the Movember cause?

Grow a Mo, save a Bro

Sign up. Grow and groom your moustache for 30 days. Raise funds for men’s health.

Host an event

Mo Bros and Mo Sistas know how to get creative and have a good time. Whether it’s a golf tournament, band night, or a dinner party – this Movember, get together to raise funds, make some noise, and stop men dying too young.

Move

Take the Move challenge and get physically active during Movember. What is the Move challenge? It’s whatever you make it. Run a race. Learn to rock climb. Work out in costume. Try something new, beat your own personal best, and raise funds for men’s health.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

On one day every year, over 500 cities around the world are abuzz with thousands of finely dressed gentlefolk upon their classic and vintage motorcycles, riding together in their support for men’s health.

So, whatever way you decide upon to support Movember, just remember, you are part of something bigger, united by a commitment to help change the face of men’s health.

Lead image © Aleksandar Popovski; all other images courtesy Movember