WORRYING ABOUT OTHERS
Asking someone how they really are can feel like squeezing the last bit of toothpaste from the tube, despite your efforts, only a small and slightly strained “I’m good” comes out. We can be pretty pants at pressing further, even when we know they’re having a hard time.
If you’re sharing a pint and want to avoid the person you care about mumbling into a packet of peanuts and swiftly changing topic, CALM are here to support you in supporting your pal.
Talking about our mental wellbeing doesn’t always come naturally, but while we might squirm when asked what’s really going on in the old brain box, talking really can help. That also means talking about suicide and suicidal thoughts.
125 people a week die by suicide, but the more we talk about it, the less likely someone close to us will reach crisis point.
When you’re worried about someone, it can be hard to know what to do. CALM have information and resources to help you be there for your friends, family and colleagues.
In September 2024, our partners, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), launched their 'Missed Birthdays' campaign to raise awareness of youth suicide. Tragically, 6,929 young people have taken their own lives in the past decade. It’s currently the most common cause of death for people under the age of 24.
This year, the campaign continues. CALM wants to stop more young people feeling like suicide is their only option.
We all have a role to play, and as part of this month's focus on worrying about others, we want to signpost the CALM C.A.R.E. Kit. Whether you’re a parent, cousin, teacher or coach, it’s here to provide you with everything you need to be there for them.
It’ll give you the tools to help you know how to start a conversation about mental health and suicide, show you what you can do if you’re worried about a young person and tell you where to get more information and advice, including in an emergency, So we can all help save lives.
In addition to the C.A.R.E Kit, CALM has released a poignant new film, “Evelyn” which aired on ITV This Morning on Tuesday 28th January.
Narrated by her mum, Jenni, the film conveys the devastating impact of youth suicide on families and the birthdays that will never be celebrated. The film serves as a powerful and emotional reminder of the current youth suicide crisis in the UK, and the need for everyone to learn life-saving suicide prevention skills to help end youth suicide.
The film is accompanied by new research commissioned by CALM that shows:
Over half of Britons (52%) believe the Government is failing a generation of young people by not doing enough to prevent youth suicide.
65% of adults are not confident they would know where to access practical tools to help a young person contemplating suicide.
CALM is using the film to sign-post to the CALM C.A.R.E. Kit to encourage more people to learn life-saving skills to protect the young people in their life from suicide.
Together, we can end youth suicide.
Throughout February 2025, we spoke with our partners Hub to discuss their efforts to support mental wellbeing for employees and residents in their living spaces. Watch our videos below to find out more.
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