Following growing concern in the industry around mental health in the turf and amenity sectors, Bayer has teamed up with suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to raise awareness of the support they can offer to anyone struggling.
“Alarmingly, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK,” explains Alan Morris, Bayer environmental science country head.
“In an industry that is largely male dominated, which by its nature often results in lone and isolated working conditions, the turf and amenity sector presents some big mental wellbeing challenges.
“The last 12 months have been unbelievably tough for everyone in the industry, and as a result, Bayer wants to pledge its support, so this is why we’ve partnered with CALM to help raise awareness of the services available and destroy the taboo around mental health and suicide,” he says.
“We believe that CALM is the right fit for the industry because it not only offers independent support, but it also provides positive practical solutions which resonate with practically minded people.
“In a world where 6,500 people die by suicide in the UK every year, with 75% of these being male, we believe this collaboration could make a difference and help those who are going through tough times,” says Alan.
CALM runs a free, anonymous helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight, seven days a week, for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems, including those at a point of crisis.
Maria Kuzak, senior philanthropy manager at CALM, explains that CALM is leading a movement against suicide providing vital, life-saving support, impactful campaigns and collective action.
“On average, 125 people take their own lives in the UK every week. With 75% of all suicides being male. That’s unacceptable,” she says.
“CALM exists to challenge and change this by offering life-saving services, provoking national conversation, and bringing people together to empower everyone to reject living miserably, so that we stand together against suicide.
“We are grateful for Bayer’s support which will help us reach thousands more people who could be struggling with their mental health, as well as raising awareness of CALM’s vital life-saving services,” explains Maria.
“That’s why we’re delighted to kick things off with a series of virtual events, and over the course of the partnership create genuine change by removing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.”
Bayer and CALM will be taking part in the virtual BIGGA event, Continue to Learn, on day one, with hopes to attend more virtual and if possible real-life amenity events in 2021.
