In Ireland, men die 3.7 years earlier than women, and many are dying too young from preventable causes. Against this stark backdrop, Movember 2026 aims to turn everyday friendship into a powerful force for earlier conversations, healthier choices and timely support.
The leading men’s health charity recently launched its 2026 fundraising campaign, ‘Make a Growmitment’, calling on people across Ireland to turn the strength and fun of friendship into action for men’s health.
The campaign launches as new research highlights both the importance of male friendship and the barriers that can stop men from seeking support. More than half of Irish men (52%) describe male friendships as very important or essential to their wellbeing. Some 37% say they have a group of best friends, while 28% say they have one best friend.
Yet more than one in four (28%) believe
Yet more than one in four (28%) believe men are still expected to cope without asking for help. Although 69% feel comfortable supporting a friend who is struggling, affection is often expressed indirectly: 30% show they care by spending time together, 28% check in by phone or text and 21% rely on slagging. Only 11% say they would hug a friend, while 17% say open affection between male friends can feel awkward.
‘ANY NEWS?’
The findings show there is no single way to create space for a meaningful conversation. While the pub is the most cited setting (32%), walks (22%), phone calls (20%) and coffee (17%) also play a part.
Familiar phrases can carry real weight too: 38% cite asking “Any news?” as a gesture of care, while one quarter (25%) point to “put the kettle on”.
When it comes to what they call
When it comes to what they call their mates, “the lads” remains a firm favourite among Irish men, with 32% using the term to refer to their friends, while “the boys” is the favourite among 18-34-year-olds (30%) highlighting a generational shift in the language of Irish male friendships.
People across Ireland can ‘Make a Growmitment’ by growing a moustache, moving 60km during November, hosting an event or creating their own challenge. Funds raised will support Movember’s work across men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. In Ireland, that work includes Movember Ahead of the Game, which brings mental health literacy to young GAA players, parents and coaches nationwide; the Social Connections Challenge with Age Action, which helps older men in rural Ireland stay connected; prostate cancer research delivered in partnership with UCD, Know Thy Nuts, their national health literacy campaign aimed to prevent late testicular cancer diagnoses, and policy and advocacy work to champion men’s health in Ireland.
To register or to find more, visit Movember.com/register
