West Ham United and England star Declan Rice has teamed up with CALM (Campaign Against Miserable Living) to raise awareness surrounding loneliness, mental health and suicide prevention.
The 23-year-old midfielder might currently be away with the Three Lions for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he’s already making an impact back home as well as on the pitch with this moving campaign.
Fighting for mental health since 1997 when they set up their first NHS suicide helpline, before going on to become a national charity in 2006, CALM remains one the most important causes in the UK and now, with the help of Rice, they are reminding people that you can always reach out to someone.
Not only does the advert produce some moving images but it also has a very powerful message.
You don’t have to be alone to feel alone. Whatever you’re going through, let’s #TackleItTogether.
We’ve teamed up with @_DeclanRice to show that whatever you’re struggling with, someone is always on your side. However you feel right now, you’re never alone. CALM is always here. pic.twitter.com/YTtYsab7E8
As you can see, the suicide prevention charity managed to edit one of Rice’s genuine England performances from Euro 2020 by removing every other player from the pitch: the result of which shows him isolated as he struggles around the pitch and calls out to teammates that aren’t there.
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In perhaps the most evocative moment in the entire clip, the young footballer is knocked down as the short but impactful titles appear on screen – “You don’t have to be alone to feel alone” – and someone reaches out a hand to lift him to his feet.
It’s a somewhat simple concept but one that manages to tap into an all-too-real feeling that most if not all of us experience in our lives. Most importantly, however, it also serves as a reminder that no matter how lonely you may feel, there is always someone there to help.
CALM says its helplines are now providing more help with loneliness than anything else, as activity on their UK helpline and webchat services are up by 62% (around 20,000 calls per month) compared to pre-pandemic levels, and calls are also up 21% since last year.
Referencing a 2020/2021 study, the charity says that at least three million people in England feel lonely either often or always — and that’s only the people that felt comfortable enough to respond. Part of the reason they chose an England player is that this figure alone could fill Wembley 33 times over.
Moreover, in light of the horrific vitriol that followed the Euros and given the fact that there were over 2,500 registered suicides in the first half of this year alone, this appeal to be kind and reach out to one another feels more pertinent than ever. Check in on your family and keep an eye on your mates.
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For anyone who needs to speak to someone, you contact CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or via their webchat, and if you or anyone else you know needs urgent help, call 999 immediately.
You find out more about the crucial campaign HERE.
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
Sport
Manchester City release limited-edition Blossoms shirts exclusively in new flagship store
Daisy Jackson
Manchester City have released a limited run of special Blossoms shirts, which will be available exclusively at the new flagship City Store.
Etihad Airways has donated the front-of-shirt space for the special drop, which celebrates the Stockport band’s lifelong support of Man City and will fundraise forCity in the Community’s 40th anniversary.
The Manchester City x Blossoms collab features the band’s logo across the chest of the 2024/25 season’s away shirt – one of the Club’s most popular designs in recent years.
Profits from sales of the shirts will be donated to CITC to support its 40th anniversary fundraising, which empower healthier lives with city youth through football.
Blossoms have just secured their fifth UK number one album with their latest release, ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’, and will soon be heading on an arena tour that includes two massive shows at the Co-op Live.
There’s a very limited run of the Man City Blossoms shirts, available in sizes small to large, which will exclusively be sold at the new flagship CityStore.
The shirts have dropped in-store this morning, with further drops to be released around the band’s tour dates this November and December.
As for that new City store – it’s a whopping 21,000 sq ft, three-floor space at Medlock Square, right beside the Etihad Stadium, and is the biggest shop in the club’s history.
The new flagship has opened today in collaboration with PUMA and Stichd, and features a new, interactive ‘Make It Yours’ customisation station as well as an expanded range of Manchester City products.
Danny Jones -
24th November 2022 
