The content of this episode is sensitive. Audience discretion is advised
In this episode, I talk to Alan Stuart about his son and what resulted into a mental health nightmare for him and his family.
Alan currently works in senior management within Higher Education – however his background has predominantly focused around start-up businesses – ranging from complimentary health products to software development and digital media agency initiatives.
In January 2021 – he lost his son Cal (23yrs old) to suicide. He and his family were devastated as they were very tight and close as a family of four. In his own words, ‘Cal is my best friend, he is my hero – he is also my son’. Soon after Cal’s passing he and his family launched The Calzy Foundation – to campaign for increased and accessible peer-to-peer support for young adults suffering trauma or crisis in their mental health; to de-stigmatise the conversation in young people around mental health and to work towards reducing the suicide rates in young people.
They also campaign for the establishment of a distinct three-digit emergency mental health number – similar to 111. Alan is committed to encouraging more open; honest and transparent dialogue around mental health in young adults and especially in those who have been impacted by peer suicide.
Website: https://www.calzy.foundation/