As the nation continues to find new ways of coping with lockdown, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity leading a movement against suicide, will launch The CALM Lock-in: Mario Kart 8 Edition this Tuesday, during Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May). It follows CALM’s first ever lock-in last month, which saw performers including Years & Years entertain over 60,000 viewers at home.
Taking place between 7pm – 9pm on Tuesday 19th May, a star-studded line-up of contestants include Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, whose recent drama Normal People explored issues surrounding mental health.
Celebrities will battle it out live on Twitch and Instagram Live to beat their opponent on fan-favourite Mario Kart 8 via the Nintendo Switch, whilst fans can tune in to watch at home, cheering on their favourite player. Each act will go Live on their own Instagram channels, whilst official host Amelia Dimoldenberg will commentate on the games live on CALM’s official Twitch.
Other stars include rugby player Anthony Watson, footballer Tyrone Mings, musician Tom Grennan, comedians Iain Stirling, Jon Richardson and Seann Walsh, YouTuber Joe Sugg, fitness coach Bradley Simmonds and Josh Patterson.
Since lockdown was announced (March 23rd), the CALM helpline has experienced a record demand of over 19,000 calls and webchats, and directly prevented 80 suicides. Whilst the primary aim of The CALM Lock-in: Mario Kart 8 Edition is to help raise spirits and give the nation some respite from these strange times, it also hopes to raise money through donations to support the running of CALM helpline services.
CALM CEO, Simon Gunning said:
“Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen people need CALM and our services more than ever before. We know that lockdown has been incredibly tough, so we wanted to do something that would give people a fun evening and help take their mind off everything else that’s happening at the moment – even if just for a few moments – whilst also raising awareness of the CALM services that can be an added support when life gets tough .
“CALM is here for anyone who needs help and our free and confidential helpline and webchat are open seven days a week from 5pm- midnight. If anyone is struggling and would like some help visit thecalmzone.net for ways to support yourself and others”.
To tune in, fans at home should either visit individual celebrities’ Instagram Lives or alternatively on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thecalmzone. Viewers should check @calmzone on Instagram for the full schedule.
All games are taking place on the Nintendo Switch, which Nintendo kindly donated to CALM in order for The CALM Lock-in: Mario Kart 8 Edition to go ahead.
To find out more about CALM and its services – including how to use webchat and how to donate – please visit thecalmzone.net. The helpline number is 0800 58 58 58.
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