Wickes has raised over £1 million for suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), nine months into their two-year partnership.

Customers, staff and suppliers helped the fundraising campaign pass the seven-figure mark, thanks to five weeks of a "50p ask at checkouts" and a host of events throughout 2025.

The money raised will help fund CALM’s services, including resources and guides, and its helpline. Staffed by trained professionals, CALM’s helpline 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. The million could fund CALM’s helpline for around six months, potentially saving countless lives.

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. 

From book sales, hikes in the Three Peaks, and Wickes' nationwide ‘Banner Trek’ - transporting a Wickes x CALM branded banner from the company's most southerly store to its most northerly one - numerous fundraisers have helped reach the total. Suppliers have taken part in golf days, a clay pigeon shoot, go karting races and a gala dinner 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.

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.”

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 its helpline and resources.
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