‘We are all here for each other’: Guest Movember article by our welfare student ambassador, Paul Adeleye
Posted on: 25 November, 2021
Every November, people across the globe grow or create moustaches in aid of Movember – a fundraising effort to support causes around men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
Our building porter/concierge, Nathan Elkins, is growing a mo’ in support of the charity and, here, our welfare student ambassador, Paul Adeleye, explains why Movember matters and signposts support functions available at UCEM and outside of the university too…
Why Movember matters
Movember is important because a lot of the time, mental health is ostracised. A lot of people struggle coming out and speaking about their mental health.
It’s the way we are as a society where, culturally, there is a dependence on the mental strength of men. There are more cases of men who have mental health issues but can’t acknowledge it because of the role they feel they have to play.
We need to be strong for each other and not expect that men should be mentally stronger than others. Everyone is responsible for those who are near and dear to them, to check that they are okay.
Movember is important because it makes it clear that we support all men who feel they can’t speak out about their mental health or can’t provide what they feel they are supposed to provide [as a man].
Looking out for others
Although Movember is about men’s mental health, it’s inclusive. Post-pandemic especially, we need to be more wary of everyone’s mental health, more than ever before.
How we can help
In my role as welfare student ambassador, I am here to help. There is no pressure to get in touch with the team at UCEM or myself but if you feel comfortable to speak out, we are here. If you have any issues you wish to speak to myself or a member of the team at UCEM, please do get in touch.
As an online university, it can be tough in the respect that you don’t see people face-to-face on a regular basis. It can feel like you are doing this alone. We want to make sure that people are aware that is not the case. Students and staff are there to support you. We are there to provide extra support whenever and wherever needed. We are all here for each other.
You can contact UCEM’s disability and welfare team on disabilitysupport@ucem.ac.uk or myself on paa6568@student.ucem.ac.uk.
Extra resources
Movember conversations tool – this provides you with the opportunity to work on important conversations you may have with others about their mental health.
London Nightline – a listening service run by students, for students accessible via its live chat or over the phone.
LionHeart – the charity for RICS professionals, past and present, and their families. It provides support and advice for members whenever life throws them a curve ball. It offers a free helpline, live webinars on mental health and a wealth of information on its website.
