Throughout November five residents and two employees at BaptistCare Watermark have been growing beards and moustaches as part of 'Movember', raising money and awareness for men's mental health and prostate cancer.

Chaplain Ben Hoitink had the idea after lockdown, wanting to do something positive for the men after a year of abiding by COVID-19 restrictions.

"It's really brought everybody together because with lockdown, a lot of people weren't even coming out of their units and there were so many restrictions so to do this ... it's been positive," he said.

"Their children, their grandchildren and their wives are really proud of them with what they're doing."

82-year-old resident John Bance, chair of the residents' committee, said being part of this initiative has benefited his mental health in "enormous" ways.

IN OTHER NEWS:

He has spent every morning of his adult life shaving, so growing out a moustache has been an entirely new experience for him.

"Joining the men involved in this has been unbelievable," Mr Bance said.

"We're enjoying it, it's for a great cause."

The group is hoping to raise $1000 for the charity, taking donations online.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: