PRESS RELEASE
BPCA member Bayer has teamed up with suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to help support the industry, following our recent survey where 44% of pest controllers felt that Covid-19 had affected their mental health.
“Alarmingly, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK,” says Alan Morris, Bayer environmental science country head.
“In an industry that is largely dominated by males working in lone conditions mental wellbeing is a big issue.
“As a result, Bayer wants to pledge its support to the industry, 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 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 pest controllers 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 the Campaign Against Living Miserably (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 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.
“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. 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 PestExtra in March, BPCA's digital pest management event, with hopes to attend more virtual and (if possible) real-life pest control events in 2021.
CALM services
CALM is there for everyone who’s struggling with life, no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through.
People talk to CALM about all sorts of topics; isolation, anxiety, relationship concerns, health worries, financial stress and suicidal thoughts. It’s important that everyone knows they aren’t alone.
If you ever need CALM, they’re available every day, 5pm-midnight, with free, confidential and practical support on 0800 58 58 58 or through their webchat.
If you need immediate help, please call emergency services on 999 or The Samaritans on 116 123.
CALM links and socials:
● Website: thecalmzone.net
● Instagram: @calmzone
● Twitter: @theCALMzone
● Facebook: @theCALMzone
NEED A CHAT?
If you're struggling with your mental health, you're not alone. Get in touch with us and we'll try to signpost you to organisations like CALM, that can help you.
bpca.org.uk/chat
01332 294 288
Source: Bayer Press Release