The 2016-17 Impact Report celebrates the incredible achievements of the CALM family, showcasing the voices of volunteers, supporters, fundraisers and two royal princes. Here are some of our favourite highlights from 2016-17.
1. CALM prevented 409 suicides
Thanks to our phenomenal helpline workers who took 63,536 calls and web chats last year – that’s 24% up on the previous year – CALM prevented 409 suicides.
A high level of quality has been preserved despite demand increasing by 28%: we answered 24% more contacts across the helpline and webchat than the previous year and maintained an excellent strike rate of 76%.
– Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM
2. We got our Heads Together
The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry chose CALM to be part of Heads Together, a campaign designed to put mental health firmly on the public agenda and help start millions of conversations around the country.
When Heads Together was announced as the official charity for the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon, a fearless group of CALM supporters laced up their trainers, strapped on some grit, did a few star jumps and kicked off a marathon journey like no other. With support from mindful movement coach Chevy Rough (by name, not nature), together our runners clocked up not only a fair few miles on the pavement, but also more than £116,000 for CALM.
3. #TeamCALM volunteers gave 3,907 hours
That's more hours than ever before. From serving thousands of cuppas to pounding the pavement to deliver CALMzines, CALM just wouldn’t be CALM without the undying commitment of our heroic volunteers.
"Volunteering for CALM is a hugely rewarding experience. By spreading the word, engaging in conversation, getting that magazine into the right hands you could potentially be helping to save a life."
– Hannah Goodwin, CALM Volunteer
4. Hundreds went to the pub, for good reason
CALM’s trademark campaign ManDictionary graces billboards and bus stops nationwide, but in November 2016 we decided it was time to take things indoors. Hundreds of CALM campaigners across the land took on the challenge to ‘Man Your Local’, distributing ManDictionary beermats to their favourite pubs, bars and cafes, sparking 22,000 conversations.
5. CALMzine won a Mind Media Award
CALM’s quarterly lifestyle magazine covers all the things that make men tick: sport, music, comedy, art, relationships, heroes and the odd rant. A platform for all guys – from poets to princes (no, really) – we’re enormously proud that CALMzine took home the 2016 Mind Media Award for best mental health publication.
"Designing CALMzine has been one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. It’s also been a real learning curve, finding ways to reach different audiences, and still bring a touch of fun to the serious matter of raising awareness of mental health issues."
– Silvina de Vita, Designer
6. CALM published new research
In November 2016, in partnership with Huffington Post, we published CALM's second ever Masculinity Audit, looking at men’s experiences of all aspects of life from finances to fatherhood. Building on our first edition in 2014, the research showed differences in the way men and women cope with pressures in life, and revealed that men are less likely to tell anyone about going through depression.
The coming year will be a big one for CALM. We have grown in numbers as measured in income, personnel and impact so now is the time to kick on for 2018, building a brand, a business and a range of services dedicated to helping men and reducing male suicide.
– Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM
If you would like a copy of CALM's Impact Report 2016-17, please contact info@thecalmzone.net with your postal address. Read online here.