MENTAL HEALTH: Inverness train operator LNER raises more than £300,000 for charity in pioneering partnership with Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is proud to reach a fundraising milestone as it marks the third anniversary of

its pioneering partnership with suicide prevention charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), with more

than £300,000 raised.

LNER customers and staff have united to raise £313,000 towards CALM’s life-saving work to prevent suicide through

a combination of fundraising events, along with the Delay Repay Donation Scheme and LNER Perks loyalty rewards,

which enable customers to donate either their compensation or loyalty credits to the charity. Nameplates from

the retired InterCity 125 fleet raised more than £50,000 at auction and proceeds from the sale of exclusive LNER

merchandise, including specially designed face masks and the Cooking for CALM Cookbook, have also raised funds.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day on Sunday, the Executive Director team at LNER is raising further funds today

(Friday 8 October) by taking part in the CALM Lost Hours Walk at two locations on the LNER route, Peterborough

and Leeds.

The partnership marks its third anniversary on World Mental Health Day (10 October). Since the start of the

pandemic, the CALM helpline has received a record number of calls and chats around topics such as isolation,

anxiety, health or relationship concerns and financial stress. Suicide remains the single biggest killer in men under

45 in the UK.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER said: “I am proud to see our people, customers and communities we serve

help us raise these vital funds for our partner charity which provides help and support for people when they most

need it. A call could turn someone’s life around. I would like to thank everyone who has donated their time or

money to supporting the cause and our vital fundraising will continue.”

In addition to the money raised, more than 100 LNER colleagues are trained as CALM warriors to support those

struggling with their mental health.

Simon Gunning, CEO, CALM, said: "I would like to thank everyone at LNER for their incredible support. The last

year has presented us with so many unique challenges that will have far reaching implications for our mental

health and wellbeing for years to come. Our helpline alone experienced record demand for calls and chats and

thanks to our longstanding partnership with LNER, who have been absolutely amazing in raising vital funds and

awareness for suicide prevention, we continue to be there for people who need us, no matter what they’re going

through.”

Inverness is LNER's northernmost destination and our gateway to the Scottish Highlands.

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