CALM Announce New Patron & Brand Partnerships

EMBARGO DATE: 00:01 Hours 13/4/2015

Professor Green joins Lynx and Topman to help prevent male suicide

• David Baddiel stands down as Patron after seven years
• Male suicide is the single biggest killer of men 20-45 in UK

London, April 13, 2015 - On the day that Panorama air the documentary ‘A Suicide in the Family’, the campaign against living miserably, CALM, the charity dedicated to preventing male suicide in the UK, is delighted to announce the appointment of rapper and singer-songwriter, Professor Green, as its new Patron. The charity is further pleased to announce that two major men’s brands, Lynx and Topman, have committed to lend their support to the campaign to fight male suicide.

Writer and comedian, David Baddiel, who is stepping down as Patron and handing over the baton to Professor Green, said, "I’m very honoured to have been the patron of CALM for the last seven years. Over that time, it's done a brilliant job of raising public consciousness about the overwhelming problem of male suicide, and of providing a resource and lifeline for men who are depressed and feel they have no-one to talk to. I’d also like to welcome Professor Green to the Patron post. I know he’ll have a great time working with this amazing charity.”

Professor Green said,“We need to get the message out to young men that talking and asking for help when things go bad is what everyone should be able to do, whatever their gender, and it’s fantastic to see brands like Lynx and Topman put their weight behind CALM and help create the cultural change which will help save lives.”

Lynx has committed to support CALM’s helpline that is currently taking almost 5,000 calls a month. Topman will be distributing the charity’s award-winning men’s magazine, CALMzine, in their key stores across the UK.

Jane Powell, CALM CEO emphasises:“While mental health has risen up the agenda urgent funding is still required as more money needs to be dedicated to this service in the years to come, but with all the will in the world that won’t create the social change needed to tackle male suicide. Having Professor Green and brands like Lynx and Topman help us share the message that it’s ok to talk, however, will help us foment the cultural change we need to finally tackle this issue.

“On behalf of everyone at CALM, I would like to thank David Baddiel for his work and commitment over the last seven years. His support and passion for this cause has been unswerving and his dedication has helped us to progress our campaign. We now look forward to working with Professor Green to continue this work.”