This year, for DUCFS (Durham University Charity Fashion Show), we are raising funds in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

On the 2nd of December, we will be taking on a Polar Plunge, swimming along the shore of Tynemouth for 59 minutes in the very, very chilly North Sea. This is to represent CALM answering a call for help every 59 seconds. This is no easy challenge given that the current temperature of the North Sea is a baltic 7° Celsius, and we have both been skipping our ice baths...

CALM, as a charity, is very close to both of our hearts. In the last three years, we have both lost loved ones to suicide; Bels' Uncle Robert and Nellie's best friend Steph. Sadly, we know that we are not alone in this as suicide has, and continues to, affect so many people's lives. This is why the work that CALM is doing is so important. Any donations, big or small, could help fund a potentially life-saving call to CALM's helpline.

Having reflected on 40 years of DUCFS last year, for our 2024 campaign - Age of Inception - DUCFS are delighted to be partnering with Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to support them in taking a stand against suicide and striving to create a better future.

DUCFS 2024 hopes to raise enough to fund 2 extra phone lines on CALM's helpline, which could allow 19,574 more potentially life-saving phone calls annually, as well as an educational campaign in the North East, which has the highest rate of suicides in England. This campaign will seek to educate young people in the region on the risks of suicide and how to seek support.

Our 2024 campaign will also be supporting DUCFS Launchpad. This is our new independent outreach platform that aims to ignite change throughout the North East, through projects focused on the creative arts, music and community.

#THEFUTUREISNOW