Men’s health is in crisis. On average men die five years earlier than women do, but the Movember movement is on a mission to change that. Each November, people are encouraged to take part in Movember to raise awareness around a variety of men’s health issues such as mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. This year, in honour of Movember, Phillips One Blade has launched the ‘Right Under Your Nose’ campaign, designed to remind men that the key to good health is more obvious than they first realise.

In a series of light-hearted slots created by DEPT, the digital campaign features an array of different situations and conversations that men can relate to, featuring topics such as prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health. In each slot, men are discussing problem situations that are always followed by a ridiculously simple ‘right under your nose’ solution, showing that the answer is closer than expected. In each slot, once a simple solution has been found or suggested the appearance of a moustache symbolizes the fix. 

“We wanted to put a spotlight on things that should be obvious topics of conversation but for some reason aren’t talked about enough between men,” said João Inácio, Creative Director, Dept. “We then explain them in the most obvious way possible, with a humorous twist.” 

Theodoros Koulos, Creation Manager, Philips added “We think it’s important to normalize the important, sometimes uncomfortable men’s health topics. Partnering up with purpose-driven institutions like Movember and fighting for better health is at the very core of our brand.”

Breaking down barriers with humour

Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK yet still there remains a stigma when it comes to men discussing their feelings and their mental health.

To help eliminate this stigma, brands like Philips use humour to encourage open conversation and break down any awkward barriers. 

In three different slots set in a range of places from the bowling alley to the doctor’s office waiting room, actors tackle serious situations in a light-hearted manner. The films focus on conversations between two men; showing that once concerns are voiced aloud, solutions are found easily. 

Insights suggest that men are more likely to avoid visiting their doctors, but also show that high percentages of men have suffered from anxiety or depression. Encouraging men to talk to one another will normalise men’s health issues and help people to realise that they are not alone.

The Movember movement

Whilst it was once associated with testicular cancer, Movember has expanded to take on and raise awareness for a multitude of men’s health issues, extending to mental health issues which are particularly important this year following a difficult post-pandemic period. 

Brands play a key role in amplifying the noise around Movember,  a movement that has continued to grow year on year. With the charity funding over 1,250 men's health projects globally, brands willing to get involved like Phillips not only help draw sign-ups to a worthy cause but also help shine a light on important men’s issues, eliminating stigmas and ensuring that some life-saving checks take place. To find out more about Movember or to get involved, please click here.