By Rose Mendham, Second Year, English
As Halloween celebrations come to an end and the festive season begins to creep into daily life, many turn their attention to a more pressing cause. On the 1st of November each year, a global movement commences, with men from all walks of life uniting to raise money by growing moustaches. This, of course, is all in the name of Movember.
The Movember foundation is ‘the leading charity changing the face of men’s mental health,’ raising awareness and advocating for significant issues surrounding men’s well-being, including suicide prevention and prostate and testicular cancer.
‘We can’t afford to Stay Silent’ ~ Movember Foundation
This year, sports societies at the University of Bristol have assembled for the Movember cause, launching some of the most innovative fundraising initiatives we’ve seen yet. From naked calendars to silent auctions, University of Bristol societies are going all out for Movember 2025. Having raised an impressive £43,394 for Movember last year, only just shy of the £45,000 target, Bristol students will undoubtedly be looking to raise an ambitious sum for the charity this November.
Players and coaches at the Bristol Barracuda, the university's American Football team, are taking a unique approach in their introduction of a set of fundraising milestones. For each milestone surpassed, the team must complete a series of testing challenges. These include a team ice bath, a naked calendar, lifting a plane, and, for their highest milestone (£1250), ‘buzzcuts all round.’ Having presented so much incentive to donate, the Cuda will surely be successful in achieving their fundraising goals.
In what is perhaps one of the greatest University of Bristol rivalries, the societies of Snowsports and Sailing are uniting this month for the ‘Battle of the UBSCs’. Both societies will compete to see who can accomplish the most miles through means of walking, cycling, swimming, and any other form of movement. Importantly, both groups have made it clear on social media that this is not just about friendly competition: ‘we’re moving for a cause. Each mile helps raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health.’ We wish both societies the best of luck!
Also uniting for this important cause are Men’s Football and Women’s Netball for a charity netball game on the 13th of November. With the societies’ vast popularity amongst the student body, and a mandatory £3 donation to attend the game, this will undoubtedly be another promising fundraising scheme.
Placing 2nd in the Bristol fundraising leaderboard last year, Hockey are again going all out to promote donations. Between the 17th and 27th of November, the team are running a silent auction to raise money for the cause. With the chance to win an array of prizes, including vouchers and memorabilia, students and members of the public are heavily incentivised to enter the auction, with all proceeds going straight to the Movember foundation.
There is a heavy social media presence surrounding Movember this year, with many societies posting progress photos of their members’ moustaches. The Boat Club has shown particular dedication. A large number of the society is featured on their social media channels to raise awareness for men’s mental health, encouraging others to join the effort.
James Buckley of Bristol University Kickboxing spoke to us about their fundraising endeavours:
‘We’re raising money [...] by growing moustaches and hosting charity events such as group runs for people to take part in and donate to. This way anyone can get involved to help out.’
Kickboxing, like many other societies, are placing community at the forefront of their fundraising campaign.
We have no doubt that the dedication of these societies will pay off and make an impact for such a great cause. Bristol sports teams have firmly established themselves as inspirational role models for those who care about making a difference surrounding men’s mental health and well-being.
What will you be doing to support Movember this year?
Featured image: Instagram @movember
