A charity golf day sponsored by Denbury Homes was held on 26 June at Stoke by Nayland Resort in aid of CALM – the Campaign Against Living Miserably, a charity that supports anyone affected by suicide.
Bury St Edmunds based Denbury Homes sponsored the golf day at Stoke-by-Nayland on the Suffolk – Essex border. Organised by golf apparel company Mulligan Bros, the event brought together around 160 players and helped raise awareness of the importance of talking openly about mental health.
The cause is particularly significant for those working in construction. High levels of stress and anxiety within the industry have resulted in suicide rates among construction workers being 3.7 times higher than the national average – meaning that around two construction workers a day die by suicide.
Speaking of the event, Nick Holmes, Director of Operations at Denbury Homes said: “Looking out for each other and talking about mental health is something that is very important in Denbury’s daily operations. For a long time there was stigma on building sites about anxiety, stress or other mental health challenges.
“This is starting to change but there is still a long way to go so we are happy to support events like this and causes like CALM which are working to normalise talking about these issues and giving everyone, in whichever industry or walk of life, the opportunity to speak up without fear, to get help; and to give it.”
Founded by Cameron Beaton and former paratrooper George Ray, Essex-based golf clothing brand Mulligan Bros donates 10% of profits from all clothing sales to CALM. This was the company’s first charity golf day, and all proceeds from the event were donated to the charity.
The pair chose to support CALM after each of them was affected by suicide with George accessing CALM’s support services following the suicide of his brother.
Cameron Beaton of Milligan Bros said: “For us the golf course is the perfect place to get some air, have some laughs and start a conversation. Just asking someone how they’re doing could be all the opening they need to ask for help or talk about something that’s bothering them.
“It was great to have Denbury Homes on board as our headline sponsor, particularly given how many of those working in the construction industry are impacted by suicide. We hope the golf day will be the first of many where we can help bring people together to start conversations, raise money and remind people that talking about mental health should be as natural as complaining about a bad back or dodgy knee!”
Mulligan Bros – named for the second chance granted between mates during a round of golf – is an official supporter of CALM. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a suicide prevention charity fighting to reduce the devastating impact of suicide in the UK. They host a life-saving suicide prevention helpline and vital online resources to help people manage their mental health.
Loren Ludlow, Community Fundraising Manager at CALM said: “It takes all of us to stop suicide, but a simple check-in over a game or hobby, can be the spark that changes everything. We’re super grateful to Mulligan Bros for championing these conversations. Their support isn’t just helpful – it’s literally life-saving.”
