Cala Homes

The partnership launched in January 2020 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. Risk of suicide is significantly higher than the national UK average for males who work in the construction sector.

Cala Homes, part of the Cala Group, will donate more than £120,000 per year over the course of it's three-year partnership with Samaritans. Since the launch, the company has raised an amazing £390,000, the equivalent of 78,000 calls for help.

These funds are going towards supporting more people who are struggling to cope by ensuring Samaritans can continue to be there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Since January 2020 Cala's amazing colleagues have completed a number of fantastic feats. From marathons at home, Brew Monday, Samarathon, Surrey Three Peaks and Ride London Essex. So far in 2022 Cala has also contributed a total of £9,130 in matched funding.

Cala Homes was also the proud sponsor of Dawn Walk, the fundraiser that aims to bring thousands across the country together to walk 5K or 10K, in solidarity with those struggling to cope.

In February 2022, a team of employees from Cala Homes’ South Home Counties Team came forward to help the Horsham and Crawley Samaritans branch following the launch of a new housing development site in the area.

Keen to make a difference locally, the team helped to revamp one of the rooms at the branch. The room, which is used to receive visitors, was dark, old fashioned and in need of a makeover. Cala’s team were able to use their construction expertise to bring new life to the room, fitting new doors, new light fittings, a new video entry system and complete redecoration.

Earlier this year, Samaritans Scotland’s Aberdeen branch teamed up with Cala Homes (North) to create a short film to help increase awareness of mental health within the construction industry.

The ‘Constructing Healthy Minds’ film features stories from Cala site team members about a time in their lives when they have reached out to seek help with their own emotional health. The film explores some of the challenges that construction workers face and how supportive colleagues, teams, and accessing support from Samaritans can help.

You can watch the film here:

In summer 2022, Cala Homes unveiled a new 'story bench' at it's housing development in Eashing Fields near Godalming. The bench was developed in partnership with Samartians, The Land Trust and Surrey Wildlife Trust, and was designed by local artist and Samaritans volunteer, Maithili.

Especially designed for the newly-restored public space to provide people with a place to relax, reflect and converse, the design tells the story of the surrounding nature – with images of the trees, plants and animals present in the fields through the changing seasons, reflecting how wild places provide peace, learning and inspiration for everyone. Helping to share a message of hopefulness.

As part of the partnership, Samaritans is providing resources to equip Cala Homes 1,200 staff – as well as employees of its subcontractors – with the skills to take care of their own wellbeing, as well as that of their co-workers’.

Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. The funds raised through the partnership will ensure that Samaritans can continue to be there for people, whatever they’re facing, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is also hoped the partnership will help promote Samaritans’ emotional support services among those working in the construction sector.