Movember and Men's Health

Each year, Movember inspires men across the UK to prioritise wellness, making November a month dedicated to meaningful health conversations beyond just about growing a moustache. For UK pharmacists, Movember presents a stellar opportunity to further champion men’s health in their communities. With nearly 50,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer annually and male suicides comprising 75% of all cases, proactive engagement is pivotal. And pharmacists—trusted, accessible and essential to community health—are uniquely positioned to lead this effort and elevate awareness.

This campaign aims to equip pharmacists and their dedicated teams with strategies that can create a supportive environment for men’s health discussions. Each conversation and resource shared contributes to a healthier future.

Strategies for Engagement

1. Reimagine the pharmacy visit as a health conversation
By making simple adjustments, community pharmacies can transform routine visits into spaces for purposeful health discussions:
· Create a private consultation area
A comfortable, private consultation space encourages men to discuss sensitive health topics, from prostate health to stress management. Supportive messaging, such as “Looking for more information? We’re here to help”, signals that the pharmacy is a safe space for open dialogue.
· Offer informal, on-demand chats
Brief, relaxed consultations on topics like PSA testing or self-exams introduce key health insights naturally, fostering proactive care in everyday pharmacy visits.

2. Mental health checkpoints: linking customers with support networks
With an average of 12 men lost to suicide daily in the UK, pharmacies can act as discreet, judgement-free access points to mental health resources:
· Highlight local and national mental health assets
Thoughtfully placed displays with information on groups like CALM, Mind, Andy’s Man Club, and Men’s Sheds—alongside brochures, QR codes and leaflets—allow customers to access support without pressure.
· Offer quick mental health check-ins
No-cost mental health check-ins allow pharmacists to share actionable tips on managing stress, sleep and anxiety, reinforcing their role as accessible and expert health allies.

3. Deliver thought-provoking information: inspiring preventive care
Men are statistically less likely to engage in preventive health measures. Community pharmacies can bridge this gap by offering clear and compelling health prompts that motivate informed choices:
· Utilise digital displays for health reminders
Screens with concise messages, such as “Over 50? Ask about PSA testing”, provide a straightforward yet motivating call to action.
· Create a Movember story wall
Dedicate a wall space where customers can share stories and words of encouragement. This shared space can spark conversations and strengthen community bonds.

Suggested Calls to Action (CTAs)

Pharmacists can encourage men, efficiently, to connect with the Movember campaign by transforming pharmacies into hubs of health and wellness:
1. Develop health resources
“Visit our information station for simple steps to transform your health—no appointment needed”.
“Curious about PSA testing? Grab a leaflet or chat with us for guidance”.
2. Encourage mental health support
“Facing challenges? Access support networks like Andy’s Man Club by scanning a code or speaking to us”.
“Explore mental health resources—visit our consultation corner or talk with one of our staff about groups like CALM and Mind”.
3. Build a Movember story wall
“Add to our Movember story wall—share a story, leave a note or pin a photo to inspire others and bring them into the fold”.
“Help put men’s health front and centre. Add your voice to our story wall and effect change in the community”.
4. Drive social media engagement
“Join the conversation! Share your Movember story or tag us at #PharmacyMovember to help amplify men’s health awareness”.
“Follow us on social media for insights, tools and updates on men’s health and Movember initiatives”.

In summary

This Movember, pharmacies across the UK can champion men’s health by nurturing a supportive and empowering environment. Through candid conversations, expert guidance and practical, accessible resources, community pharmacists and their teams can make it easier for men to focus on their well-being. Each connection forged and asset shared contributes to a stronger, healthier community—and pharmacies stand at the heart of that movement.

Support groups:

• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): A UK-based mental health charity focused on suicide prevention, offering a helpline, webchat and community initiatives.
• Mind: A leading UK mental health charity providing support, resources and local branches throughout England and Wales.
• Andy’s Man Club: A mental health organisation supporting men and reducing suicide rates through in-person support groups across the UK.
• Men’s Sheds: Part of the international Men’s Sheds movement, offering spaces where men can work on practical projects together, supporting mental and physical health.

Related links:
https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/otc/1214794-a-closer-look-at-mens-health
https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/podcasts/pharmacy-magazine-podcast-category-insight-mens-health
https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/clinical/why-arent-men-listening-when-it-comes-to-their-health
https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/otc-category-reviews/663952-raising-the-issue-of-erection-problems