As the long winter nights draw in, it is important for us to open up about mental health and break down the stigma around seeking help.

The Movember movement has become the leader in raising money and awareness for Mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer in Men. This year, the Strathclyde community has come together to show you don’t need a moustache to raise awareness this Movember.

Many students have been running to raise awareness: five members of Strath Canoe ran from Loch Tay to Dunkeld in their Tay Marathon Fundraiser, while one student ran 1km every hour for 24 hours at Glasgow Green. The wider community has also been able to participate, joining in a special Parkrun edition and, on 29 November, a free ‘3k on the green’ run welcomes all skills and running proficiencies.

Our societies have also been creating new ways to participate. StrathSailing are braving the Scottish autumn with a cold plunge at Ayr beach, where attendees were encouraged to “bring your best Hawaiian outfits.” StrathPool have also hosted a Pool tournament, offering a prize pool and a timed 6-ball shootout minigame for additional prize money.

True to sporting tradition, Strath’s Movember movement created a friendly leaderboard to compete in raising the most possible. By week two, over £5,000 was raised with the Men’s hockey and rugby societies leading the pack.

This movement is not just for our athletes, however, as a Ceilidh and quiz at the Union have allowed the whole Strathclyde community to come together to raise money and awareness.

If you are struggling, it is never too late to reach out. The Movember charity recommends a range of free services here.