On Monday 17 November, boys in Years 7 and 8 attended a special assembly led by Mr Jonny Owen, Teacher of Physical Education, Assistant Head of Rugby and Deputy Housemaster in the Senior School.
The focus of the assembly was Movember and the importance of challenging stigmas and stereotypes around men’s mental health. Mr Owen spoke to the boys about the many ways we can express ourselves and appreciate the people around us, regardless of our differences.
Now in its 22nd year, the Movember charity began when two friends came up with the simple idea of growing a moustache to raise awareness. Its message today is summed up in Jonny’s slogan at Bryanston: “Don’t man up, open up.”
Mr Owen explained that this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be resilient, but that everyone deserves to feel as happy as possible. Life presents challenges for all of us, and what matters is how we have positive conversations about them. He highlighted the serious reality of men’s mental health: every minute, one man takes his own life.
The boys were reminded that Bryanston is a strong community they can lean on. “Whether you are the youngest pupil in the school or the Head, everyone has their own challenges. We all need friends, and we all need to become more tolerant, accepting and supportive of one another. Being brave enough to communicate how you feel, and taking the time to listen to others, is vital,” he said.
To bring these ideas to life, Mr Owen set the pupils some practical tasks. First, he asked them to stand up, find someone they wouldn’t usually talk to, and make them smile. Afterwards, he asked what had made them smile – compliments, jokes, funny faces. The boys reflected on how something so small and effortless could have such a positive impact. Humour, Mr Owen said, is often undervalued but incredibly important.
Next, pupils were asked to write a short, positive message on a piece of paper and give it to someone in the room they didn’t know very well. As notes were exchanged, faces lit up with smiles. The focus was not on how many messages they received, but on the feeling of being noticed and appreciated. Compliments ranged from “I like your height” and “You’re handsome” to “Your singing is great” celebrating both abilities and appearance. The exercise encouraged pupils to think about what they enjoy, what they are good at, and the activities, such as sport or time with family, that make them feel good.
As part of the school’s Movember activities, there will be a staff–pupil tea break with biscuits and live music in the Senior School dining room on Friday 21 November at 10.45am, encouraging relaxed, healthy conversations. On Sunday 30 November at 12.00pm, the school will host a Movember Fun Run, 60 minutes of movement on the sports pitches, representing the 60 men who take their own lives every hour. Pupils and staff can walk or run any distance within the hour, with music and hot drinks creating a fun, uplifting atmosphere. The aim is to build healthier connections, healthier conceptions of mental health and, ultimately, healthier communities.
This assembly follows similar sessions in Beechwood and Cranborne (Year 9 boys), which have also explored the importance of supporting one another and speaking openly about mental health.
