A trio of local Councillors are asking the public to vote this month in a political poll like no other.
The clean-shaven Newry Mourne and Down Councillors are taking part in a cross-party challenge this month to raise vital funds and awareness around male mental health.
Downpatrick Councillor John Trainor (SDLP), Rowallane Councillor Patrick Brown (Alliance) and Slieve Croob Councillor Alan Lewis (UUP) will be competing to grow the best moustache for their Movember challenge.
The taches will be judged by public vote on Facebook at the end of the month allowing the local community to pick which political party tops the poll when it comes to facial hair.
Councillor Brown explained: “Although the challenge itself is light-hearted, the message behind the Movember initiative is particularly important.
“We have teamed up together as we want to help raise what we can for the Men’s Shed Association and to highlight the need of addressing male mental health across the District and beyond.
“Of course, we want to know who can grow the best moustache, however, this challenge is so much more than that.
“We want to help break down barriers and encourage conversations throughout our community around mental health.”
Cllr Brown added: “We are very grateful for anything that anyone can give and would encourage you to use the excuse of questionable facial fuzz to start a conversation with the men in your life about how they are really doing.”
Also speaking to Down News, Cllr Lewis said: “Movember is an annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for men’s mental health issues.
“The idea is for men to shave and then grow a moustache throughout November with many men taking up the challenge each year.”
Cllr Lewis added that he was really pleased to be taking part in the challenge and commended his council colleagues, Patrick Brown for suggesting the idea and John Trainor who was also up for the challenge.
“They are both two good sports, and who knows, this could be the start of annual fundraising events, the ‘councillors challenge’? The three musketeers?” Alan laughed.
“I’m always up for a great laugh and what a great way to raise awareness of the vitally important issues surrounding men’s mental health, raising a smile, a laugh, while having some banter along the way.
“I am unsure how my tache will turn out… Hulk Hogan, Ron Burgundy or Graeme Souness… but whatever this month brings it’ll be a bit of craic on the road to raising some funds.”
Councillor John Trainor commented: “Many men are still reluctant to seek support or discuss mental health problems with family.
“Stigmas and barriers around mental health need to be broken.
“The message that we would like to send out is that seeking support or talking about mental health issues does not make you less of a person.”
“I am looking forward to the month-long challenge with Alan and Patrick and I hope we can raise awareness, raise funds for charity and have a bit of fun along the way.”
To find out more information, make a donation or keep up to date with the challenge visit:
