Today, The Movember Foundation, Harlequins Foundation and Harlequin FC announce a long-term partnership that will see them team up for a joint initiative committed to help rugby fans, and the wider community, live happier, healthier and longer lives.
To launch the partnership, the Harlequins team has taken part in the Movember Foundation’s ‘Be a Man of More Words’ campaign to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day. Star players Dave Ward, Danny Care, Joe Marler and Mark Lambert feature in an emotive video encouraging men across the UK to open up and speak more about their mental health. The players talk openly and honestly about their own personal experiences, addressing issues of anger, anxiety, depression and suicide.
Be a Man of More Words kicks off a month long campaign by the Movember Foundation, aimed at encouraging meaningful conversations around men’s mental health as a way to ultimately reduce the high rate of male suicide. The Man of More Words campaign builds on Movember’s UnMute and Suicide Notes Talk Too Late campaigns of previous years. While Suicide Notes Talk Too Late encouraged men to open up and talk when times are tough, UnMute challenged supporters to really listen when men spoke up. Man of More Words brings the two together, focusing on getting men to talk when times are tough, in the confidence that they will be heard.
The partnership brings together a joint ambition between the Club and the Foundations to address the issues around men’s health and provide information and guidance on what to do when health suffers. There will be several campaigns, focused both on awareness and fundraising, and during the partnership the funds raised will be invested into projects aimed at parents, coaches and young men, all delivered through the Harlequins Foundation.
Owen Sharp, CEO of the Movember Foundation said: “We are delighted to be announcing this partnership after working closely with Harlequins in an unofficial capacity for many years. In working together, we aim to positively impact the lives of the many men and women that support Harlequins and the wider community.”
Marc Leckie, Head of the Harlequins Foundation said: “As a Foundation we are committed to making a positive change in our community’s health, both locally and globally. We are confident that this partnership will inspire, educate and equip men to invest in their own wellbeing. We want to stop men dying too young.”
Mark Lambert Harlequins player added: “There is a stereotype of rugby players being tough, strong, silent types, and there is now a chance for us to challenge stigma around men sharing their thoughts and being open about their health. All of our players at Harlequins are proud to support this partnership and understand the importance of being a man of more words to become a happier, healthier person.”
To learn more about the ‘Man of More Words’ campaign and how you can effectively help the men in your life to open up visit www.movember.com/iwanttoask.
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