12 November 2020

Movember encourages healthy rivalry between ACT Policing and ESA

| Lottie Twyford
Join the conversation
1
ACT Policing

ACT Policing is going ‘mo to mo’ with ACT Emergency Services during Movember. Photo: Supplied.

ACT Policing and the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) are set to go ‘mo to mo’ to see which organisation can raise the most money for men’s health, and, of course, who can grow the most impressive moustaches.

Movember is a cause that many of us would be familiar with. Perhaps this year you’re watching your dad, partner or work colleagues attempt to grow a moustache, or maybe you’re having a go yourself.

However, behind the mo is an important cause; the aim of Movember is to raise much-needed funds and awareness for men’s health, both physical and mental.

John Berry, operations manager at ACT Ambulance Service said it seemed like a fitting year for the ESA to get involved.

Mark Sterling from ACT Emergency Services Agency.

Mark Sterling from the ACT Emergency Services Agency, all clean shaven and ready for Movember. Photo: Supplied.

He called it a “timely reminder” of the need for men to take care of their physical and mental health. For him, it is a “cause dear to his heart” because everybody will have been affected by men’s health issues, either first or second hand.

There are about five or six Movember groups set up at the moment within the ESA, but Mr Berry said more will come on board as the month progresses.

The challenge is now on between the two agencies, which has fostered some healthy competition, but Mr Berry says even though bragging rights would be great for the ESA, it is more interested in raising as much money and funds as possible.

ACT Policing was quick to respond the challenge, with Deputy Chief Police Officer Commander Michael Chew, who is also captain of ACT Policing’s Movember team, saying he is confident in his team’s ability to take the Movember title – particularly after their success in the ACT Emergency Services Blood Challenge.

READ ALSO Puppy love continues after COVID-19 surge, says RSPCA

Commander Chew is “personally passionate” about raising awareness of men’s health issues. He said police are no strangers to Movember and they have entered a team in it for a number of years.

He said police are always looking for ways to help the community, and that something as simple as growing a moustache could have a big impact.

One statistic that particularly concerns him is that although 70 per cent of men say their friends rely on them for support, only 48 per cent are willing to open up and rely on their friends.

In keeping with the spirit of the event, even if you can’t grow a mo, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. There is the Make a Move campaign where participants are challenged to run or walk 60km during the course of the month in memory of the 60 men who are lost to suicide globally each hour.

People can also host a ‘Mo-ment’, an event of any kind, either virtual or in-person – in line with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, of course – to raise funds for men’s health research.

Join the conversation

1
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.