Dedicated helpline will give support

Dec 18 2012 by Our Correspondent, Formby Times

CALM offers a unique phone line for men to call if they need to get some stuff off their chest.

They’re open 5pm ‘til midnight every night during Christmas, you can also send a text starting with “CALM 2” to 07537 404717 or check out www.RefuseToBeAManDown.com for some inspiration.

Simon Howes from CALM said: “Many men find Christmas tricky and get frustrated by the media portrayal of the lazy and incompetent man sitting on the sofa all day. Many men are in fact making a lot of effort to bring their families together and celebrate, despite a lot of tough circumstances. Others find themselves very alone and are not sure what to do. Making a plan and talking to friends or family can make a huge difference - here’s to a happy Christmas and peace and goodwill to all men.”

CALM is an award-winning campaign that offers a free, confidential and anonymous helpline and text service as well as a magazine-style website for men. The Man Down campaign was launched this year for men over 35 in North Sefton and enables men to get support and information for a range of issues or stresses on their terms, privately.

Call 0800 58 58 58 between 5pm and midnight any day of the year or text 07537 404717 and include “CALM2” at the beginning of your first message. Texts are confidential and anonymous. They don’t charge, but your network might. You can also check out the Man Down website at www.RefuseToBeAManDown.com