Cala Homes has announced a fundraising partnership with Samaritans. Samaritans will provide listening and emotional resilience training for its 1,200 construction sector staff.
Cala Homes, part of the Cala Group, has announced the launch of a fundraising partnership with Samaritans, which aims to support the charity’s vital work across the UK, while strengthening employee mental health and wellbeing.
The organisation's support will help to ensure that Samaritans can continue to be there for anyone who is struggling to cope. Samaritans will provide listening and emotional resilience training to help equip Cala’s 1,200 staff – as well as employees of its subcontractors – with the skills to take care of their own wellbeing, as well as being aware of their coworkers’.
With Cala's backing, Samaritans will be able to answer 25,000 more calls for help. The funds raised will also help the charity launch its online chat service, allowing those in need of support to get in touch directly with one of thousands of volunteers in a way that is most comfortable to them.
It’s a privilege to play a part in helping Samaritans to reach more people in need. No one knows when they might need Samaritans and our backing will help to make their vital services even more accessible to people across the UK, who are struggling to cope. Samaritans will provide listening and emotional resilience training to help equip Cala’s 1,200 staff – as well as employees of its subcontractors – with the skills to take care of their own wellbeing, as well as being aware of their coworkers’.
Kevin Whittaker, Chief Executive, Cala Homes
The partnership launches following Samaritans’ call for better mental and emotional health support for middle-aged men, one of the most high-risk groups for suicide, they remain three times more likely to take their own lives than women (1). Risk of suicide is significantly higher than the national UK average for men who work in the construction sector (2).
With Cala’s support, we will be able to help equip staff with techniques, tools and resources that support their emotional wellbeing and create a culture where people feel that they can get support if they need it. This partnership will also help us continue to be there for anyone who is struggling to cope. Together we will save lives
Matthew Lock, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Samaritans
As well as committing corporate donations to the charity, Cala team members from its head offices and nine local businesses across England and Scotland will fundraise for Samaritans through a variety of individual and team activities – with some already signed up for events such as the London Marathon and Kiltwalk in Scotland.
About Cala Homes
Cala Homes, part of the Cala Group, is a major UK home builder focused on building well-designed, high quality homes in prime locations throughout the South of England, the Midlands and Scotland.
Key Facts:
- Cala employs more than 1,000 people across 10 offices and more than 70 developments
- Cala Homes has received the maximum 5 Star rating in the Home Builders Federation’s National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey for 2019. On average over the past 10 years, the independent survey has found that more than 93% of our customers would recommend Cala to a friend.
- In 2017, and for the second consecutive year, Cala has collected the Silver award for ‘Best Large Housebuilder’ at the WhatHouse? Awards. At the 2018 Scottish Home Awards, Cala received the Customer Service Excellence Award for the third year running. In 2019, Cala was named Home Builder of the Year at the Homes for Scotland Awards.
- Cala started as the City of Aberdeen Land Association in 1875 and was the first Scottish company listed on the London Stock Market.
For further information visit www.cala.co.uk
Notes to Editors - Samaritans
- Every six seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
- Samaritans is a charity and it’s thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of our partners, the public’s kind donations and more than 20,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope.
- Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch, where you can talk to one of our trained volunteers face to face.
- You can follow Samaritans on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.