The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) are leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. Here’s how…
Frontline Services
Anyone can hit crisis point. CALM runs a free and confidential helpline and web chat – 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. They support those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP).
Communities
Together we’ll help our boys, our dads, our mums, brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues. We spread our message and facilitate supportive spaces in workplaces, universities, pubs, clubs and prisons across the country – so that people feel empowered to share their experiences and get the help they need before they reach the point of crisis.
Campaigns
Everyone has a part to play. CALM campaigns with media partners, brands and ambassadors to spread awareness of suicide and its devastating impact with campaigns like #Project84, #DontBottleItUp and The Best Man Project. They challenge boring male stereotypes and encourage positive behavioural change and help-seeking behaviour, using cultural touch points like art, music, sport and comedy.
For more information, and if you would like to get involved with CALM, visit their website on thecalmzone.net.
Nationwide Helpline: 0800 58 58 58
London Helpline: 0808 802 58 58
Webchat: thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/
Scroll down to check out some of the recent projects I’ve had the honour of being a part of.
Getting Through The Festive Season, 2020
Christmas can be great, but it can also be stressful. CALM got a few of their ambassadors to hear their festive foibles and favourites to round up 2020. From cutting out Christmas tree envy, to top seasonal songs, here’s how we keep things CALM during the festive season. Read more.
Being A Mate, 2020
We always talk about mates, but we don’t often talk about what it means to be one. Whether it’s a shoutout on Insta stories, a quick check-in text to the guy from football, or a great gif sent to the group chat, there are loads of ways to be a great mate. In fact, sometimes, stuff you don’t even realise you’ve done can make a massive difference. Read more.
Somewhere In The Afterbeat, 2020
During the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown, I spent a couple weeks in April creating this four-track EP. 100% of the proceeds from sales will be donated to The Campaign Against Living Miserably, as well as Cad & The Dandy and Huntsman’s fundraiser towards the production of NHS scrubs. Download and donate here.
Lockdown Life, 2020
As the World Health Organisation officially declared the Coronavirus a global pandemic, governments around the world implemented a lockdown and social distancing. In these utterly weird times, looking after our physical and mental well being is more important than ever. CALM asked us, their ambassadors, for our stay-at-home tips. Read them here.
Let What’s Inside Out, 2019
Topshop and Topman’s latest initiative as part of long-term charity partnership with the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) sees the launch of a Care Sewn In capsule collection comprising 13 garments across tees, hoodies and sweats. Part of the Let What’s Inside Out campaign, the assortment will launch in selected Topshop Topman UK stores and online on 10th October to coincide with World Mental Health Day. Read about it here.
On Failure, for The Essential Journal, 2019
In issue 46 of The Essential Journal, I wrote about the importance of failure. In a social climate that practically forces us to present ourselves as high flying and perpetually motivated, it pays to be honest and open about our failures and how they affect us. It’s important to understand that failure doesn't define us, but that it’s often a necessary part of a longer process, and almost always a learning experience. Read the full article in Issue 46, or online here.
The Ups and Downs of Dressing Up and Down, 2019
In an editorial centred around the menswear industry, I wrote about dressing well and the impact it has on mental well-being. @photographybymiles shot some of London’s most prominent tailors, brands, writers, bloggers and content makers, and I spoke to them all about their individual stories. From struggles and experiences with depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia to why dressing well has helped them in an otherwise cutthroat industry. Read Part I and Part II.
Grow A Pair, 2019
CALM partnered with SEAT to create a London mural, titled Grow A Pair, focusing on the listeners. We often hear how talking to someone about how you’re feeling can really turn things around, but what about the person on the listening end of that conversation? Grow A Pair calls to the mates, the family members, colleagues, partners and peers who are there when things are difficult. I wrote some words for the article, which you can read here.
#MoreThanABarber, 2019
I visited Murdock London, who have partnered with The Campaign Against Living Miserably to launch #MoreThanABarber. With the barbers being trained in Mental Health First Aid, it prioritises barbershops as open spaces for discussion. It also allows the barbers to develop their own skills and understanding by training in MHFA. I wrote about the importance of barbershop conversation, which you can read here, and took a few shots during my visit which you can see below.
