CALM

By any measure – lives saved, conversations started, ministers appointed, money raised, miles ran, men hugged… 2018 was our biggest and most impactful year in this movement against suicide. There’s way too much to cover in one post, and too many people to thank – we’d need a book for that (maybe next year). For now here’s a very bite-size, month-by-month highlight reel of just some of the life-changing things you lot made happen. 

JANUARY
The #BestManProject went Royal.

As part of @Heads_together, The Duke of Cambridge joined @RioFerdy5, @LoyleCarner, @RomanKemp & more to share stories of how friendships can have a positive effect on men’s wellbeing.

Watch the full film & join the #BestManProject ➡ https://t.co/hATL4sdR7q pic.twitter.com/mR66fi6Cpe

— CALM (@theCALMzone) January 19, 2018

FEBRUARY
The last ever CALMzine dropped.

CALMzine #28 ?
Russell Brand on addiction | Simon Amstell on ayahuasca
+ @rioferdy5, @LoyleCarner & The Duke Of Cambridge on the power of friendship. Find stockists & read online ? https://t.co/OZVxyRuxFD pic.twitter.com/W5ACU5kewS

— CALM (@theCALMzone) February 13, 2018

MARCH
#Project84 gets the nation talking about suicide.

84 men in the UK take their own lives every week. Eighty-four. It’s time to speak out and take a stand against male suicide https://t.co/dvBPsFVJlu @Schofe @EamonnHolmes @therealgokwan @MartinSLewis @DrRanj @Ginofantastico #Project84 pic.twitter.com/EJZUmuIkVT

— This Morning? (@thismorning) March 27, 2018

APRIL
#TeamCALM run 2384.2 miles at London and Brighton Marathons.

At London and Brighton Marathons, 91 #TeamCALM runners ran 2384.2 miles, raised over £164k (!) and made us cry umpteen tears of pride. Just look at them ? https://t.co/uSg6eSG2k3

— CALM (@theCALMzone) May 2, 2018

MAY
Coronation Street highlighted the issue of male suicide.

CALM’s CEO @SimonGunning tells @TheBOMmedia: “Coronation Street are doing vital work in highlighting such an important issue with this storyline” https://t.co/gahB3L0K6S

— CALM (@theCALMzone) May 9, 2018

JUNE
CALMing out at our first ever Pride.

We are at @PrideInLondon repping Team #CALMandPROUD! Tis me @JackRooke taking over with my glam assistant @CeciliaKnapp! We will be showing the good ?, the corporately awful ? & the fabulously gay ?️‍?!
(& low key streaming the England match with only 1GB of data left ?) pic.twitter.com/eTZL74mXMy

— CALM (@theCALMzone) July 7, 2018

JULY
We followed Ben Davis on his majestic #RunYorkshire challenge.

Ben’s running 470 miles around Yorkshire for an inspirational reason! ?? pic.twitter.com/wcgtbEy2NK

— BBC Yorkshire (@BBCLookNorth) August 15, 2018

AUGUST
We teamed up with Instagram, TheMix, and loads of famous faces to launch #GramFam – supporting young people during tough points.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Documentary film maker and TV personality @regyates joins #GramFam to tell you it’s ok to change your mind, whatever the outcome. Support your fam on the gram! Tag your mates in the comments and tell us your experience of pre-result nerves and what helps you chill. Didn’t get the results you wanted? Need some support? CALM and The Mix have your back (link in bio).

A post shared by CALM (@calmzone) on Aug 13, 2018 at 3:47pm PDT

SEPTEMBER
We partnered with the world’s largest student community, Student Problems.

OCTOBER
We changed Government.

Today, we win. @Theresa_May has answered our call for a Minister for Suicide Prevention. Thank you for all your support in taking a #StandAgainstSuicide and making this happen. Onwards! #WorldMentalHealthDay2018

More info ➡️ https://t.co/RfWsstRXtD pic.twitter.com/OC07pFyqHP

— CALM (@theCALMzone) October 9, 2018

NOVEMBER
We launched our partnership with our mate Dave.

Tonight we took over one of our ad breaks to announce our partnership with @TheCALMZone and our new campaign #BeTheMateYoudWant. You can watch the whole ad break takeover here. pic.twitter.com/ohufdDK41b

— Dave (@davechannel) November 26, 2018

DECEMBER
We had a big, massive comedy and music gig at the lovely Omeara.

HERE WE GO THEN @OmearaLondon. Doors open in 10 minutes. Beyond excited. Wrap up warm. pic.twitter.com/L7b8Kz0VkC

— CALM (@theCALMzone) December 16, 2018

Thanks to everyone who walked, watched, tweeted, cycled, laughed, danced, rowed, kicked, drove, talked, skated, cheered, hiked, gamed, sang.. or just cared. Onwards to a very exciting 2019.

Find the festive period tough?

Need support? Worried about someone? CALM’s free, anonymous and confidential helpline and webchat are open every day, 5pm-midnight. Get access here.