One month to go before Movember, the time when men’s faces get hairier around the world as they grow moustaches in support of a worldwide charitable men’s health initiative.

It’s happening here in New Zealand again. The organisers tell us that this year, the theme is, quite simply, what it means to be a better man: Movember & Sons.

Organisers are encouraging all men to seek and share knowledge and wisdom with loved ones, to learn their family health history and predispositions and to understand the risks they face. “These simple actions can have a significant impact on the quality and longevity of your journey through this life,” they say.

In addition to its support for prostate cancer and depression initiatives by the Cancer Society of New Zealand, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and Awareness and Education, this year Movember has launched a new campaign, the Global Action Plan (GAP – see video below). This brings together prostate cancer researchers from around the world, facilitating a new and unprecedented level of global research collaboration, not previously seen within the prostate cancer community. Over 100 of the world’s top prostate cancer researchers have joined Movember’s GAP, all of them committed to working together on research and sharing their knowledge in the area.

Last year, Movember had its most successful year to date with over 850,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world raising a phenomenal NZ$156.1 million for prostate cancer and male mental health. The hairy movement will continue to grow in 2012 as 21 countries across five continents unite to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.

So. Time to grow that mo’. You can find out more and sign up at www.movember.com. Find out more about GAP below.