The Lost Hours Walk with CALM
22 Oct 2021 08:21AM
by
Chemayne - Head of Wellbeing
Here at Virgin Active, we’re gearing up for the Lost Hours Walk with Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). We sat down with Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM to ask him a few pre-walk questions.
Who are CALM?
"CALM stands for the Campaign Against Living Miserably and we’re leading a movement against suicide. We offer free and anonymous life-saving services, we run campaigns that provoke national conversation and we bring people together to collectively celebrate life and unite against suicide.
"On average, 125 people in the UK take their own lives every week with 75% of all suicides in the UK being male. That's not ok. CALM exists to change this by creating more action across society through our campaign work. We also bring people together with collective action around passion points like running, football and art to drive cultural change and empower communities to better support the mental health and wellbeing of themselves and those around them."
Who is at the end of the phone lines?
"Our free helpline and webchat service are open from 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year. Our services are anonymous, non-judgemental and staffed by highly-trained paid professionals. It is non-clinical and interventionist with a focus on providing solutions and practical support for people in need and for those worried about someone else."
Why are CALM partnering with Virgin Active for the Lost Hours Walk?
"Virgin Active are passionate about their customers’ mental and physical wellbeing so they were a great fit for the Lost Hours Walk. The partnership will allow us to reach more people than ever with our life-saving helpline and webchat, so we can continue to be there for whoever needs us. No matter what."
What's your favourite exercise?
"I like to run and walk as much as I can as it helps me to unwind. However, due to an old football injury my knees aren't in great shape. Whatever the weather, I make sure I reach my step target and run on a treadmill as often as my dodgy knees will allow."
We’d love it if you were able to join us on our walk. You can sign up right here for our London walk. Can’t make it but still would like to support us? Click here to donate to our page.
