Men’s health charity Movember has created a set of seven ‘missing Father’s Day’ cards remembering fathers who died due to ill health.
The charity has created the set of cards, which feature personal poems, illustrations and real stories of real fathers who have gone too soon, to honour those who have lost their lives to health conditions including prostate cancer or to suicide.
Movember’s campaign also spotlights the fact that while 68% celebrate Father’s Day by buying cards and gifts according to Opimum research, it can also be a tough time for many.
The seven cards feature a short poem and drawing based on families’ favourite memories and stories of their fathers, including illustrations of them playing drums on the sofa, crabbing in Devon and singing concerts in cars.
Movember will also be supporting the campaign through earned media, paid media, and partnerships across social supported by influencers to help dispel the silence around men’s health.
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Around two in five male deaths (39%) happen prematurely, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) – equating to over 2,500 each week.
“We’d like to thank all the families that contributed to the cards for their strength and courage in stepping forward and sharing their heartfelt stories,” said Movember CEO Michelle Terry.
She continued: “Because behind every poem and illustration is a tragic story of loss and despair that touches family, friends, and communities which is mirrored thousands of times over up and down the country. ”
She added that there has long been a “misconception and stigma” around men’s mental health which has “held people back from seeking help when it’s needed”.
“And at a time when men’s mental health is taking a worrying dip against a backdrop of economic and social unrest, urgent collective action is needed to make men’s mental health a national priority, and for the next government to put this issue front and centre of their plans to halt the unacceptable decline.”
