Stonegate Group partners with CALM on suicide prevention initiative

Stonegate Group has entered into a two-year partnership with the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues across its pubs, bars and venues in the UK.

The partnership will see CALM’s support services and messaging promoted across Stonegate’s estate through in-venue signage and digital screens, targeting social spaces where people are more likely to connect and talk openly.

Stonegate said the initiative, branded “Cheers to Checking In”, is intended to encourage conversation and social connection while addressing suicide and poor mental health, particularly within the hospitality sector.

Suicide remains a leading public health issue in the UK, with men under 50 among the most affected. 

Mental health challenges are also prevalent within hospitality, where the company said a significant proportion of workers report struggling with their wellbeing.

As part of the partnership, Stonegate’s pub teams and head office staff will take part in fundraising and awareness activities. 

The partnership will also focus on groups at higher risk of suicide over the next two years, including middle-aged men, students and people experiencing social isolation.

According to the group, it hoped that visible signposting to support services could help people seek help at critical moments.

The launch of the partnership includes a nationwide social activation with Beavertown Brewery from 19 to 25 January, encouraging customers in participating venues to support fundraising efforts. Stonegate said it would match all funds raised during the first week of the campaign.

David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate Group, said: “In the middle of a growing mental health crisis, CALM’s life-saving services have never been more important. The statistics aren’t just numbers – they are lives, families and stories that touch our colleagues, our guests and the communities we serve.”

Simon Gunning, chief executive of CALM, added: “They are at the heart of communities throughout the UK, and by platforming CALM and genuinely championing our mission they will undoubtedly go on to save countless lives.”