As part of this special issue, our NCT branch asked if any dads would like to take part in Movember – the month-long moustache growing extravaganza in aid of men’s health. With our third baby
due at the end of October I decided that forgoing a daily shave in the name of a good cause wasn't such a daft idea and volunteered. I also have old photos of my grandad and dad holding me as a baby sporting
their own set of
whiskers, so I saw a great opportunity for a moustache photo montage!
One month on I can thoroughly recommend Movember as a family-friendly activity! The kids have enjoyed watching their dad’s facial hair grow bushy and it has stimulated some interesting questions… "can mummy grow a moustache too?" being my favourite.
I chose to support men's mental health. My wife is a Clinical Psychologist and has often talked about the difficulties of getting men to access talking therapy.
Untreated mental health problems have been blamed for an increase in male suicide; this is now the biggest cause of death in men under 45 according to the Office of National Statistics. Us men need to look after our emotional health in
the same way as our physical health, both are equally important!
If you think you would benefit from speaking to someone, you can talk to your GP or contact Bromley Working for Wellbeing service: bromleyworkingforwellbeing.org.uk
Ant Plumbly, dad to Isla (5), Jack (2) and Barney (1m)
Movember Dad
Raising Awareness about Male Suicide