Having lost a friend to suicide, British singer and songwriter Tom Walker experienced the feelings of guilt, depression, and self-doubt that so many relatives of suicide victims feel. In the aftermath, he mentions wishing he was a better friend and reflects on what he could have done differently to prevent losing a loved one.

Inspired by his pain and a need to address the stigma behind mental health, Tom partnered with Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to write a song titled “Lifeline”. CALM is a leading movement and charity organization against suicide in the UK, and is geared towards reducing the stereotypes behind suicide. They offer a number of life-saving services like suicide prevention helplines to help anyone struggling with the challenges of living.

“I wish we could’ve saved you

I wish we could’ve helped you understand

Nobody would’ve blamed you

I wish you would’ve held on for a hand

Pray to God you would’ve reached out

And given us a chance to change your mind

No one leaves us at the right time

I wish you knew you had a lifeline”

These lyrics express that suicide does not have to be the only way to cope with pain, and that support from loved ones can make all the difference. Through his song, Tom hopes to reach anyone struggling and remind them that they have a lifeline, whether it be through friends and family, or organizations like CALM which also support these messages of healthy healing.

The song “Lifeline” embodies the values that CALM has been campaigning to the public since 2005, and they have gained major traction recently through brand deals and partnerships with celebrities, artists, and renowned organizations like Spotify. As Tom speaks to how he has found closure after his friends death by writing “Lifeline”, many fans have become more aware of the importance of suicide prevention, especially through movements like CALM.

Listen to “Lifeline” on YouTube or Spotify.

Image Credits:

Featured Image: Akhil Nath on Unsplash