ARARAT'S boys in blue are sharpening up the razors and are preparing to shave for the last time today to support men's health.
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Around 20 Ararat police officers will take part in Movember, a month which challenges men to grow moustaches to spark conversation and raise vital funds for men's health programs.
The Movember community has raised $580 million to date and funded over 800 programs in 21 countries.
This work is saving and improving the lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems
Ararat Police have taken part in Movember on a couple of occasions, but this year the number of men participating is the most ever who are growing their 'mos'.
"The motivation for getting involved is due to men's health being overlooked in the past or men not regularly monitoring their own health," Sergeant Shane Allgood said.
"Health conditions such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer, mental health and depression are serious problems which need to be in the public eye.
"The one which police encounter regularly is mental health and depression, which if left untreated can result in suicide."
Sgt Allgood said women's health issues are regularly on the public agenda but not so much men's, and that is why Ararat Police are happy to participate in Movember.
"Police see this as not only a bit of fun but an opportunity to get involved with a significant community issue," Sgt Allgood said.
Sgt Allgood said the Movember participants would like members of the public and local business who are in a position to donate to Movember to link their donation to the Ararat Police team name.
To donate members of the public can go online at the au.movember.com/ website and pledge their donation linking it to Ararat Police, receipts are available on line, or alternatively they can donate in the collection box at the Ararat Police Station.
"We are happy to put up with discomfort of growing the mos in an attempt to make the general public think more about men's health," Sgt Allgood said.
"If this is the only outcome of police involvement in this event it will make it a worthwhile exercise."