MoveMento — a Glasgow based initiative is working in collaboration with CALM to help save those affected by mental health problems.
Mental Health conditions seem to be at epidemic proportions. Whether it be through bereavement, through trauma or the significant stress of everyday living, life can be incredibly difficult and very lonely.
But as we talk more about coping, or not coping mentally, we also see that there are organisations out there, so you don’t need to be alone. The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a charity that supports suicide prevention. And with many people at risk, they need our support too — through funding. One initiative who are putting their money — or feet — where their mouth is, is Glasgow-based MoveMento.
MoveMento
If you live in the West End, you will have undoubtedly seen a runner getting his kilometres in, rain or shine, shirtless. That’s Jonathan Doku, the founder of MoveMento. Jonathan is a committed runner and will be running the Great Scottish Half Marathon on Sunday the 5th of October in aid of CALM.
What is MoveMento? Jonathan explains, ‘Movement has always been part of life. As a child it was a vital channel to release my abundant energy. But in recent years, movement has become a lifeline for me, a way to navigate anxiety, low moods and the noise of everyday life. MoveMento was born out of this personal journey. It is an initiative to promote better mental health through movement. By that I mean, movement in absolutely any form. It could be walking, dancing, running, stretching, swimming or whatever movement looks like to any individual. There will be many different strands of MoveMento.’
Knowing how much physical movement has helped him, one key strand of MoveMento is ‘MoveMento Gives Back’. He’s starting his pledge by running the Half Marathon. Why did he choose CALM? ‘I’ve chosen CALM because suicide rates in Glasgow are higher than national average,’ says Jonathan. ‘And particularly amongst men, who are roughly three times more likely than women to die by suicide.’
CALM
CALM has been working to prevent suicide since 2005. Their mission — to help people end their misery — not their lives. They give practical support to help people manage their mental health.
According to CALM ‘A mate, a mum and manager. Anyone can feel suicidal. In fact, 1 in 5 of us will have suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. And 18 people a day die by suicide in the UK. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 and the rate for young women under 24 is rising sharply. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It only takes £12.20 to fund a potentially life changing chat on our helpline. And so, we are delighted that MoveMento is standing with us and raising funds at the Scottish Half Marathon. Funds raised will be converted into potential lifesaving chances.’
Running for a Better Future
And so Jonathan is getting his running shoes on to help others, as movement has helped him. He hopes to beat his personal best this Sunday and raise at least £1000 for CALM. Fundraising is no stranger to him, having raised £5000 in the past few years. And we should all get behind him. So if you want to support Jonathan’s run, visit —
Movemento instagram – @joinmovemento
or on his Just Giving Page
Best of Luck Jonathan!
If you or anyone you know require help contact Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on their helpline —
T: 0800 585 858
or visit – w:CALM
