Movember is the world's leading charity for raising funds for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

We chose to support Movember because it provides a way to show men and boys at our school that talking about their feelings is okay and that it is okay not to be okay. Movember provides crucial funding for prostate cancer research but also provides funding for medication, workshops and therapy sessions for men suffering from mental health issues.

As a school, it has allowed us to access the gateway of talking about positive masculinity and how to project that into all our pupils. It allows everyone at Mill Hill to be aware that it doesn’t make you any less of a man by speaking out and it makes you more of a man by doing so. The pupils have run challenges such as the ice buckets, chili-eating contest and the annual netball competition.

During our recent bake sale, we were able to raise roughly £200. This only shows the support and generosity of the students when coming to such a vital charity. This brings our total to £7,129 during our campaign. On behalf of the school, thank you to everyone who got involved, thank you to everyone who donated, and most importantly, thank you to everyone who spoke out about their feelings. You are not alone.

The full write-up of our Movember campaign can be read here.

Our Annual Charity Christmas Market this year was to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) which affects the nerves known as motor neurones. These nerves are found in the brain and spinal cord, and they help tell your muscles what to do.

This event is a house competition where every house is competing to raise the most amount for charity by selling delicious baked goods, stocking fillers and secret Santa gifts.

All monies raised will go to Crisis at Christmas. We selected this cause as it aligns most closely with the values of our School and the spirit of Christmas as a time of giving and unity. Through our involvement, we aim to:

• Raise awareness and support those who are less fortunate than us.
• Foster a sense of social collective responsibility and encourage to actively engage in social issues.
• Show respect and care for marginalised groups, demonstrating our commitment to equality and fairness.

This charity works directly with people experiencing or at risk of, homelessness in 9 areas across England, Scotland and Wales. They provide practical one-to-one support to help people access benefits, healthcare services, employment opportunities, and more. Our main aim is to relieve the huge pressure of homelessness, by helping people find safe and affordable homes as quickly as possible.

As part of our weekly charity activity, we have made a wonderful connection with an elderly care home called Ayrton House on The Ridgeway. We meet with the residents fortnightly, we play games, we hold painting workshops and are moving on to memoir books - which will be given to them personally at our Summer Party.