Bridport FC raise over £1,000 as Movember backs men’s mental health

Bridport FC have raised more than £1,000 for Movember this month, turning the moustache growing challenge into a powerful conversation starter around men’s mental health.

Young men remain among the least likely to seek help as national figures show that around one-third of men aged 16–34 feel too embarrassed to approach professional support, a stigma that continues to leave many suffering in silence.

The non-league club’s involvement began spontaneously during a men’s first-team training session.

Head of Media, Simon Robinson, said the decision to take part was “pretty spontaneous”.

He said: “A few of the older lads were joking with the younger ones about whether they could even grow a beard.

“Then someone remembered it was Movember.”

What started as a dressing room joke quickly turned into a club-wide effort to raise awareness for men’s mental health.

Robinson said: “The manager thought it would be great for team bonding.

“And it also gave us a chance to raise awareness for a really important cause.”

Defender Darren Lock, 37, said the challenge has helped break down barriers within the squad and opened conversations that rarely happen in football environments.

He said: “It’s sparking conversations in the dressing room about why we’re doing this.

“As the oldest player at the club, I see myself as a father figure to some of the younger lads.

“It’s nice to show them we can support each other it’s brought real unity to the team.”

Lock said the campaign has made players more aware of the importance of speaking out early.

“It’s always better to open up and talk to someone rather than keeping all your emotions and everything going on in life bottled up.”

Local mental health charity, Dorset Mind, said initiatives like Movember are vital in reaching men who may not use traditional support services.

Spokesperson for Dorset Mind, Darren Warwick, said: “It’s changing how men open up.

“Talking therapy is fantastic, but we need different spaces for men to share how they feel.

“Movember’s creative approach definitely helps.”

Bridport FC will continue fundraising throughout November and hope their efforts will encourage more men across the community to talk openly and seek support when they are struggling.