What is CALM?
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide – the biggest killer of men under 45. We provide free and confidential services for those at crisis point. We campaign to challenge stereotypes and change culture. And we help build supportive communities so people support each other and feel empowered to find the help they need.
What is the CALM Runners Crew?
The CALM Runners Crew is a group for runners of every age, shape, and ability – we share training tips, encouragement, stories, failures and successes. We support each other on our running journeys and celebrate the power of running for good physical and mental health.
Who can join the group?
Many of our members are training for, or have run for CALM. But anyone can join, as long as you’re someone who is interested in running, are keen to support CALM’s mission, and take a proactive and positive approach to well-being – we welcome you. All members must be approved by CALM staff or a volunteer.
What do we discuss?
It’s less about the fastest times, longest distances, or new gear, and more about a shared passion and mission, using exercise to look after yourself, and each other. It’s a community for training tips, inspiration, motivation and shared stories.
Many will be affected by mental health problems or the impact of suicide, and although sharing your experience is encouraged, this group is not a place where we seek or provide direct support for these more sensitive and complex issues. If you are struggling, or encounter someone who is, direct help is available through the CALM website and Support After Suicide Partnership..
A few considerations…
Bear in mind the impact stories you share may have on others:
- Help foster an encouraging space – share your achievements and celebrate others but don’t get too caught up in the numbers or competitiveness.
- Avoid sharing identifying details about yourself including contact information (phone number, email address, home address etc).
- Avoid sharing your fundraising pages on this group. There are other more appropriate places to do this.
- Please do not advertise or promote any products or services.
- Got a query relating to CALM or your fundraising? (e.g. ordering vests or materials, organising your event) check out our FAQs.
Who monitors the group?
CALM employees and volunteers. They are not mental health professionals. We may deem some content inappropriate and remove it, if we feel that it potentially could have a negative impact.
This group will be monitored during our working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday by CALM staff and CALM trained volunteers identified by profiles like ‘Jo Calm Volunteer’.
Where can I find support?
If you’d like to talk anything through, our free and anonymous CALM Helpline (0800 58 58 58) and webchat is open 5pm – midnight every day. Alternatively, you can call the Samaritans helpline on 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (ROI).
If you need bereavement support please visit Supportaftersuicide.org.uk where you can find help and resources written by people who’ve been through similar.
Do you arrange meetups?
Yes. And we actively encourage you to arrange meet-ups and runs together, so feel free. We also host workshops that will be promoted in the group. Any meet ups or conversations outside of the Facebook group are your own responsibility but we do want you to stay safe.
Please bear in mind:
- CALM does not have a responsibility for your safety in these circumstances so please ensure you would take the usual steps to keep yourself safe (think about what you would do if you were going to buy something online e.g. Gumtree or if you were meeting someone from a dating app)
- Tell a friend or family member who you are meeting up with, when, where and for how long
- Meet in areas you know well and are well lit
- Use a tracking app to show your route e.g. Strava
- If you are concerned for your own or another person’s safety call 999 or 101
If you have any questions or would like to raise and issue, feel free to contact us.
Have fun!