Visitors to wholesaler JW Filshill may have to look twice at male colleagues who are usually averse to displaying fascial hair as they grow – or at least attempt – to grow a moustache as part of the long-running Movember charity initiative which aims to raise awareness of men’s health including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
The Renfrewshire-based wholesaler, supported by key supply partners and KeyStore retailers, is encouraging male colleagues to get involved in Movember by exposing their facial hair and, where appropriate, taking a PSA test (prostate-specific antigen) to screen for prostate cancer.
Amanda Casey, safety and wellbeing manager at Filshill, said: “At Filshill, the health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is a key priority, and we are always looking for meaningful ways to support them, both in and outside the workplace.
“The opportunity to offer prostate cancer checks came about through best practice sharing at the IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) West Scotland committee, highlighting the real value of collaboration and learning from others.
“We’ve been delighted with the fantastic uptake and the positive feedback from colleagues, which demonstrates just how important and valued initiatives like this are. Raising awareness, encouraging conversations around men’s health and making preventative health checks more accessible can make a real difference.”
Nearly 90 male colleagues have been tested so far with follow-up support provided if require, Amanda added, with Ayrshire Medical Services (AMS) delivering the screening.
AMS is also offering a free bowel screening kit to all colleagues – male and female – as part of the initiative.
“For me, this is a great example of wellbeing in action, taking something we’ve learned, turning it into a practical initiative and making a positive difference to our colleagues’ health and wellbeing,” said Amanda.
As part of the campaign, all Filshill colleagues, their families, KeyStore customers and suppliers are encouraged to run, walk or move 200km during Movember, raising funds for Prostate Scotland but also “moving for mental health”
“It’s a collective effort that is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding prostate cancer and other men’s health issues, including mental health – empowering men to check, talk, move and take action,” Amanda added: “We’ve set an ambitious goal to raise £5,000 for the Prostate Scotland charity, supporting
a great cause and aiming to break down barriers and drive meaningful awareness and discussions among men.”
Key suppliers supporting Filshill’s Movember efforts – including the fundraiser – are Pringles (Kellanova), Mondelēz, AG Barr, Tayto, UFit, Princes Group and Mars Wrigley, which have provided prizes and stock donations. Suppliers are also getting on board with pop-up days in KeyStore outlets to build engagement with local communities.
A long-time supporter of charities and good causes around its headquarters but also individual KeyStore shops across Scotland and the north of England, Filshill regards this support as a key pillar of its company strategy, along with building relationships with staff, customers and suppliers.
Amanda concludes: “One year on from our 150th anniversary in 2025, when our staff, customers and suppliers helped raise £150,000 for six charities, we continue to support various charities operating in and around our headquarters at Westway and in neighbourhoods where our KeyStore customers support their local communities across the country.”