Movember: Sparking Conversations for Men’s Health and Well-Being

Movember is more than just a month for moustaches—it's a movement dedicated to raising awareness and support for men’s health issues, including mental well-being, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Across the globe, individuals come together each November to grow their 'mo' and spark vital conversations about these critical topics.

At Games Global, we’re proud to have employees who are stepping up to support this cause. In this Q&A, we hear from three passionate Globalites—Robert Mc Alpine, Ty Smith, and Willem Gillmer—who share why they’re embracing Movember, how their views on mental health have evolved, and their tips for maintaining a balanced mind and body.

Robert Mc Alpine

Why have you chosen to mo this Movember?

I chose to participate in Movember because it’s an incredible cause that raises awareness about men’s health issues, including mental well-being, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer—challenges many men face. If growing a moustache can spark even one meaningful conversation or increase awareness, then it's absolutely worth it. Movember has also become a bit of a tradition among my friends, and it feels great to be part of something bigger than myself. Even though my better half might not be thrilled about the ‘lip lapa’ during a kiss, it's all in good fun to sport this temporary look!

How has your approach to mental health changed over the years?

I’ve grown to see mental health as essential, not something to ignore. Over the years, I’ve become more proactive, recognising early signs of stress and finding ways to manage them. Where I once might have overlooked it, I now prioritise mental health just as much as physical health.

Name three things for maintaining your mental health:

1. Setting boundaries to avoid burnout
2. Finding time to unwind and relax
3. Staying connected with friends and family (Just reach out and talk!)

How can we better support men who are struggling with mental health?

Encourage open conversations without judgment and make it clear they don’t have to face things alone. Just checking in regularly and showing you’re there for them can make a world of difference.

Ty Smith

Why have you chosen to mo this Movember?

Movember is a brilliant cause, supporting mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer—issues that impact many men we know. Statistically, there will be at least one person in our lives touched by at least one of these issues, and if sporting an awful 'tache for a month helps raise awareness, then I'm here for it!

How has your approach to mental health changed over the years?

Massively. I went from barely being aware of mental health, to having it hit hard in my twenties, to now fully understanding what I need to stay balanced. As we get older, we often stop playing sports, but I’ve learned that staying active is essential for my mental well-being.
Name three things for maintaining your mental health:

1. Know what lifts you up and what brings you down
2. Try and keep perspective
3. Positive energy attracts positive energy

How can we better support men who are struggling with mental health?

Society often makes it hard for men to be vulnerable. Life gets busy, but try to create a safe space for those you care about to be open without judgment. Just being there can make all the difference.

Willem Gillmer

Why have you chosen to mo this Movember?

Movember is an incredible initiative dedicated to supporting mental health, as well as raising awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. This year, a very close and dear friend was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and witnessing the impact it's had on his mental well-being has truly put things into perspective for me.

How has your approach to mental health changed over the years?

I’ve transformed from someone who didn’t give much thought to what I put into my body to someone who now carefully monitors what I eat and drink. While I’ve always been active in sports, I now enjoy a much more balanced lifestyle.

Name three things for maintaining your mental health:

1. Exercise
2. Eat correctly
3. Positive thoughts - what you think, you attract.

How can we better support men who are struggling with mental health?

Society often discourages men from showing vulnerability, labelling it as weakness or an inability to cope with life’s challenges. As a result, many men keep their feelings hidden, rarely revealing when they’re struggling internally. To better support men, we can create open, non-judgmental spaces and encourage conversations that normalise emotional expression, helping men feel more comfortable seeking the help they need.