Students show support for Movember campaign

Dozens of students and staff donned the pretend facial hair to back the annual month-long international initiative, which raises awareness of men’s health issues.

They also held a cake sale and a raffle in the reception of the college’s Westoe campus in South Shields, and played a friendly football match on its fields.

Money raised from all initiatives will be donated to charity.

Lecturer Michael McDonald said: “Men face many potential health issues, some of which they do not find easy to talk about.

“Movember plays a very important part in helping to lift the lid on what can seem like taboo health subjects.

“The events, like others around the world, are encouraging people to talk about some of the biggest health issues faced by men.

“I hope our efforts increase awareness of the signs and symptoms that men should look out for, and encourage them to seek help should they have any concerns.

“I’m delighted so many students and lecturers came together to support this important annual campaign.”

The Movember phenomenon started in Australia around fifteen years ago, when a group of friends realised men were facing a health crisis that wasn’t being talked about.

Whereas women dominated the international health agenda, with huge publicity around cancers and other diseases and conditions, issues concerning men were rarely highlighted.

Change was needed, and growing moustaches during November has become a symbol of the initiative.

Movember aims to publicise prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, and other health concerns.