Movember puts $3.54m behind new social connections challenge
The men’s mental health organisation Movember is on the lookout for innovative ways for men and boys to combat social isolation in the time of the coronavirus and beyond.
Movember has launched a AU$3.54m campaign called the Social Connections Challenge, and is calling for a 'big idea' to help combat the pandemic-fuelled mental health issues and social isolation facing men across the world.
With people across the world connecting online and developing creative ways of 'staying apart together', Movember is on the hunt for the best digital/tech response that addresses isolation and helps men maintain social connections.
The idea, says Movember, will have legs ‘that can carry it into the future, far beyond COVID-19 and the challenges of 2020.’
With a deadline of October 15, a selection panel will shortlist the most promising ideas from the 75 idea generators selected in the initial stages.
“Ideas should be grounded in the real world and be developed from the male perspective. This means your solution needs to be reflective of real situations and relatable to the men who would utilise it,” state the competition guidelines.
The best will be shared and promoted on a dedicated page at Movember.com
At stage two, 140k-250k will be allocated to co-develop the best ideas, moving them through the pipeline towards implementation.
According to Movember, the program's goals are to:
- Identify digital/technology-based solutions that work across different groups of men to increase their social connections
- Demonstrate that increased social connections improve men’s mental health in building resilience post-Covid
- Share and promote knowledge of potential solutions through digital and technological platforms
- Strengthen existing relationships/networks particularly during times of social distancing
This is a global initiative including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the UK so idea generators must be based in one of these countries.
For more information email [email protected] or download the Digital/Technological Social Connections Challenge FAQs.
TAKE ACTION FOR MEN'S HEALTH
Download Movember's Social Connections Challenge guidelines.