Mo grow to launch at Freight

AN evening of conversation and connection hosted by Rewrite the Man Code will kick off annual men’s health campaign, Movember.

At Freight Bar and Restaurant tomorrow night, Friday 1 November from 6.30pm, the Movember Launch Party will see $1 from every pot donated to the campaign, and the first signs of many new moustaches.

Rewrite the Man Code’s Josh Cahir is an organiser. He became passionate about men’s health, especially mental health, after his own experience with anxiety and depression.

“It led me down a path of exploration about how anxiety manifests and the foundational cause of it,” he said. “I started looking into masculinity and the pressures sometimes boys and men feel to fit a narrow, rigid stereotype, and knowing that there’s more to that, you can explore other options and become more of a well-rounded bloke.

“It’s ok to put your hand up… it’s ok to cry. We have a goal to challenge narratives and break down stigma around men’s mental health, and all mental health of course, which leads to more cohesive relationships amongst friends and family.”

Fellow Launch Party coordinator, Katherine Henderson encouraged all walks of life to come along tomorrow night and not just grow a mo, but a new network.

“If you’re sitting at home and you’re lonely, if you’re having bad thoughts, anything… Just come along,” she said. “If one person makes one friend, or that conversation changes that person’s life, then we’ve done what we wanted to do.”

Entry is by gold coin donation. Finger food and live acoustic music will be on offer. Raffles and an auction are organised for 7.30pm onwards.

Those interested in becoming a Mo Bro this year can visit au.movember.com. Find Freight on the corner of Mair and Peel Streets, Ballarat.