Mo’s are getting men talking about mental health
ADAM Wells was crossing Macquarie Street this week when his mustache attracted the attention of Dubbo Photo News.
That led to the obvious question about whether he was involved in Movember, and that sparked a conversation.
“I lost my father seven years ago from cancer so it’s partly to do with remembering him, but also to do with raising awareness that it can strike at any age,” Mr Wells said.
“Obviously there’s the cancer side of it, but also there’s the big push for rural mental health at the moment that I think we as Dubbo guys need to be aware of.
“Whether it’s affecting ourselves or whether it’s affecting one of our friends, (it’s important) just to be there at any time to be a part of their lives, to reach out for each other and make sure we’re looking out for each other – and looking after ourselves.”
The Dubbo real estate agent said Movember was a spark of genius, given the way it has got people talking about issues that have lain buried for generations.
“Absolutely, and I think that’s the biggest part of it – you get bagged out for having a silly mustache but it’s that deeper fact that there’s people struggling in our community, whether it’s their own health, whether its friends and family, whether it’s separation, things like that,” Mr Wells said.
“Whatever is happening I think if we’re looking outside ourselves, if we’re looking out for each other, it can make a big difference just saying g’day, saying hello, checking in on how friends and family are doing – it’s important.”
Mr Wells said he’s been surprised at just how much reaction his mo’ has been creating.
“I forget that it’s on there quite a bit because I obviously don’t look in the mirror too much, but I think I do get that reaction,” he said.
“There’s so many people doing different things now to help. We’ve got Tradies In Sight, we’ve got different people looking out for others, and I think that male stereotype is being broken every day.” He said it’s now becoming the norm to see one guy having a conversation with another guy about how they’re going.
“Being there for each other is so important,” Mr Wells told
He set up his own page online and raised about $1000. His last minute strategy was to film a short video clip with his kids asking for people to give their dad more money so he can shave it off.
“My wife will be pretty happy for it to come off as well,” Mr Wells added.
“There are lots of people doing a little bit, which all adds up – both financially and also for collective awareness raising.
“There’s a lot of celebrities that are doing it – the cricketers, footballers and things like that – which is brilliant, and I think the money is great, but it’s almost secondary to the conversations.
“But any money that’s raised is going to a good cause,” he said.