Wickes have raised over £1 million for suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) in a record-breaking nine months into their two-year partnership
Customers, colleagues and suppliers helped pass the huge seven-figure mark, including five weeks of the 50p ask at checkouts, and a host of fundraisers and events throughout 2025.
The money raised will help fund CALM’s services, including resources and guides, and life-saving helpline. Staffed by trained professionals, CALM’s helpline is a unique interventionist service that helps people in suicidal crisis. It costs the charity £12.20 to fund each phone call, which is free to access for anyone who needs it.
CALM’s messaging and services has also been signposted in stores, as part of a two-year partnership to help raise awareness of suicide prevention.
Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, said: “Wickes’ customers, suppliers, and staff have been so brilliant and innovative in finding new ways to raise money for CALM. We’ve had CEO David and CMO Gary swimming in Scilly, a huge cross-country banner trek, as well as five weeks of 50p asks, which have all helped reach and pass this huge total.
“It goes without saying, but £1 million is such a massive amount for a charity of our size, and we can’t thank everyone at Wickes enough for raising so much for suicide prevention.”
Raised just nine months into the two-year partnership, £1 million could fund CALM’s helpline for around six months, potentially saving countless lives.
From book sales, hikes in the Three Peaks, and Wickes’ very own nationwide ‘Banner Trek’ – transporting a Wickes x CALM branded banner from their most southerly store to their most northerly one – numerous fundraisers have helped reach the total. Suppliers have taken part in golf days, a clay pigeon shoot, go karting and an annual gala dinner event hosted by Kimberley Walsh.
Wickes’ CEO David Wood and CMO Gary Kibble showed their commitment to the cause by swimming the Scilly Isles in 2025.
David Wood, CEO of Wickes, said: “Raising £1 million in just nine months is an incredible achievement, and it’s down to the generosity and commitment of our customers, colleagues and suppliers. This partnership with CALM means a great deal to all of us at Wickes, because it supports life saving services for people who need help the most. We’re proud to play our part in raising awareness of suicide prevention and helping CALM continue the vital work they do every day.”
Someone in the UK dies by suicide every 90 minutes, but CALM exists to change this by challenging the stigma associated with people asking for help and crucially, with our life-saving helpline and resources.
Need help? Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) hosts a life-saving suicide prevention helpline and provides vital online mental health resources for anyone who needs them. Visit www.thecalmzone.net.
