Trade kitchen supplier Howdens has partnered with men’s health charity, Movember, in a year-round campaign.

The partnership will see the kitchen supplier fundraise to support projects and research on some of the biggest health issues faced by men, including mental health, as well as specific cancers.

According to Movember, 3 out of 4 suicides are men, with those working in the construction industry at the highest risk of suicide.

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The Office of National Statistics reports two tradespeople take their own life every day.

Howdens will create awareness and provide on-going support to colleagues, as well as their friends and family members, who are struggling with their mental health.

The other causes the charity supports include testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

Movember reports in 1: 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, in the UK, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men.

To kick start the partnership, Howdens will be encouraging employees and customers to take part in a month-long fundraising event during the month of November.

Participants can get involved by growing a moustache, as well as donating through scanning posters in depots.

For those who are unable to grow a moustache, they can move or host or they can submit fundraising ideas, with the best considered for future fundraising campaigns.

Howdens will listing each individual depot total, to create competition, which will go towards the company grand total, to be announced in December.

Forbes McNaughton, Howdens company secretary, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Movember, to help raise awareness for men’s health.

“Howdens was founded on the principle of being ‘Worthwhile for all concerned’ whether that is for our staff, customers, suppliers or local communities, and so, encouraging more people to join the movement to help men within our industry open up about their health, is a natural move.

“Additionally, this will ensure that we help Movember continue funding, and applying research to prevent our fathers, brothers, partners, sons and friends, from dying prematurely.”

Country director – UK and Europe at Movember Anne-Cécile Berthier added: “It is fantastic that Howdens has partnered with us as they are such a key player within the construction sector.

“Throughour partnership together we will raise awareness of the support available to thousands of tradespeople.”

“With such shocking statistics around both suicide and cancer, there is always more work to be done.

“Funds raised by Howdens will be welcomed and will be put to good use in helping us with our work in these areas.”