And we’ve got some big plans - Tal will work with us to develop a unique resource to support tattoo artists across the UK through the Tattoo Artist Toolkit, and this June he’ll be taking on a 24-hour tattoo-athon to raise money for us.
Or if ink isn’t your thing you can donate. Every penny will help give him extra motivation as he reaches the end of the 24 hours.
What made you want to become a CALM ambassador? Was there a moment or something personal that brought you here?
I wanted to become a CALM ambassador because I’ve seen the devastating effects of mental health struggles firsthand. Losing my cousin to suicide when he was just 19 changed me forever and subsequently dealing with my own demons for years afterwards. It’s a loss that stays with you, but it also fuels a need to make sure others don’t feel that same despair. As a tattoo artist, I’ve found that my chair becomes a safe space for clients to share their own battles. I feel a responsibility to be part of the solution, to shine a light on the darkness and remind people that there is always another way.
I first heard about CALM a number of years ago at a talk during fashion week with James Scroggs (Chair of our Board of Trustees) and the late Jamal Edwards, and have continued to see their impact through their incredible campaigns and the way they approach mental health with honesty, compassion, and a real sense of community. Their message spoke to me because it wasn’t about hiding the struggle—it was about facing it head-on and helping others feel less alone in the process.
I think it’s important for us to talk openly about suicide, suicidal thoughts, and mental health because silence can be deadly. The more we hide from these conversations, the more people feel isolated and ashamed of what they’re going through. By breaking that silence, we create space for understanding, connection, and hope. It’s not always easy, but those uncomfortable conversations could be the ones that save a life.
Something I’ve learned since being open about my own mental health is how much strength there is in vulnerability. When I started sharing my story, I realized I wasn’t alone. It created deeper connections with people and helped me understand that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s one of the bravest things you can do.
If you’re listening to this and you’re struggling, I want you to know that you are not alone, no matter how much it might feel that way. It’s okay to feel the way you do, but please don’t let those feelings define you. There is help, there is hope, and there are people who care about you and want to support you. Take one step—reach out. That step can lead to something better, even if you can’t see it yet.
Something that gave me hope when I couldn’t see a way forward was creating. For me, tattooing is more than art; it’s a way of expressing things I can’t always put into words. It’s also the conversations I have with clients that remind me of the strength people carry. Those connections, whether through art, friends, or even small moments of kindness, were the glimmers of hope I needed to keep going.
As a CALM ambassador, I want to be a voice for those who feel they’ve lost theirs. My hope is to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and show people that it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to ask for help. Together, we can make sure no one has to face their battles alone.
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