Mo money for men’s health thanks to joint emergency services effort

St John WA joined forces with other emergency services on November 1 for a “shave down” to launch the start of Movember.

Held at St John WA’s central hub, frontline ambulance officers, along with representatives from WA Police and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, enjoyed a sausage sizzle before taking to the barber’s chair for a clean shave.

​​​​​​​Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health.

In the month formerly known as November, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas across the world Give, Grow, Move, Host and Mo Their Own Way to increase awareness of men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer. 

Thanks to the seven million people globally who have got behind the movement, Movember is proud to have funded more than 1300 men’s health projects around the world.

These programs challenge health systems, confront gender norms, reduce health inequalities, and encourage men to adopt healthy behaviours.

The emergency services shave down event included a live webinar hosted by Hugo Toovey, a young Army Captain and two-time cancer survivor.

Hugo shared his personal journey, covering topics of mental and physical health, early detection, and having challenging conversations about health, highlighting the importance of taking proactive steps towards well-being.

Last year, the St John WA Movember team raised more than $3500 for the charity.

This year the team is aiming much higher – with a target of $10,000 set.

St John WA paramedic Chris Hassett has taken part in Movember for 11 years and has raised $16,000 over that time.

“I think men’s health is really important and often overlooked,” he said.

“I think men like to hide their feelings away and think everything will get better if they don’t do anything about it.

“This is a chance for us to bring it out to the forefront.”

To find out more or help support the St John WA team, go to https://au.movember.com/team/2233008