On 25 November, LNER and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) were awarded the title of ‘Best Corporate Partnership 2019’ by Corp Comms Magazine.
Back in 2018, Train Operator LNER formed a fundraising partnership with the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to raise awareness while to support its people, it created a training partnership with Samaritans to better equip them with skills to engage with vulnerable people.
A new fundraising mechanism was also launched allowing customers claiming ‘Delay Repay’ compensation to donate all, or part, to the charity. And, targeting men specifically, the walls and entrances to some male toilet facilities were adorned with facts about suicide and contact details for CALM.
More than 90 LNER employees, including Managing Director David Horne, have also undertaken training to become CALM Warriors, gaining the tools they need to go into the community and chat about the charity and its work, supporting those most in need.
LNER also invited colleagues to identify ways in which it could maximise opportunities to raise awareness and money for CALM, all of which were amplified on its social media channels. This led to bucket collections at home games for Doncaster Rovers FC, a team sponsored by LNER. The train operator also gave its shirt sponsorship to CALM.
Since the partnership was unveiled, more than 150 fundraising activities, have taken place at LNER stations, particularly on key dates, such as World Suicide Prevention Day and colleagues have also taken part in events, such as The Great North Run, in aid of the charity.
The partnership is having a significant impact, CALM Warriors have helped almost 2,000 people in life-threatening situations get the support they need.
This was a ‘brilliant, simple idea’, said the judges, ‘which was excellently executed and impactful. It had business benefits but, more importantly, it saves lives.’
Congratulations to LNER and CALM on winning this award for the great work they are doing. For more information, visit: Corporate Comms Magazine
