Movember 2020: Ballarat Mo Bros begin growing for a good cause

And what better opportunity to check in on your mates than a competitive moustache growing contest.

For thousands of blokes, the clippers came out this weekend to prepare for a month of furious growing and fundraising to help some good causes.

READ MORE: Coronavirus in Ballarat: mental health hub guide amid pandemic demand

In Ballarat, Matt Robbie actually works for Movember, in their finance department.

He said growing a superb mo is a fun thing to do and a great way to connect with mates and get a team together.

"It starts a conversation with people," he said.

"If there's one thing that's come out of 2020, and it's been a bit of a horror year, is that everyone's now aware of the mental health impacts of being isolated.

"You can see it in local sports teams, which are more interested in maintaining the mental health of their athletes, and blokes at pubs will chat at pubs about how they're feeling.

"I'd say generally, guys are a little more self-aware and in tune with their mental health and emotional wellbeing."

Figures released earlier this year by Movember, as part of a global study carried out by the Social Research Centrei found that 52 per cent of Australian men said no one asked how they're coping during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 23 per cent said their mental health had worsened in the first six weeks of the pandemic, while 30 per cent noted increased feelings of loneliness.

Older men are the group most likely to have experienced poorer social connection, with 61 per cent of men aged 45 years or older reporting they feel less connected to their friends since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mr Robbie said the money raised during Movember will help several initiatives, with a focus on mental health resources.

"They're running projects that are saving lives, like prostate and testicular cancer initiatives, and mental health programs across the world - we're focusing on rolling out some digital products tailored to new dads and the challenges they'll face," he said.

"We've got a piece on identifying and supporting men early on, and the mental health issues they may be developing, so how to spot a mate who might be struggling, how to chat to them."

As for his own moustache plans, Mr Robbie said he's got a few ideas.

"I think I'm going to keep it a bit simpler this year, more Tom Selleck and less Joe Exotic, let's put it that way," he said, laughing.

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"My tips - daily shave, keep it neat, and don't let it get away from you by leaving it for a couple of days.

"I've recently got into beard oil, or moustache oil, to keep it in the right direction, and there's nothing wrong with a bit of moisturiser."

To join in or donate, visit movember.com - and to follow Mr Robbie's efforts, check out movember.com/mattrobbie.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.

Help is also available, but not limited, via the following organisations. The key message is you are not alone.

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