Campaign Against Living Miserably Lets You Take a Breather With Covid-19 News Blocker

As the UK continues to find ways to cope with the ongoing pandemic, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity leading a movement against suicide, today launched the 'CALM Covid Blocker', a free to download Google Chrome extension that removes Coronavirus related content and news from your web browser.

With so much happening right now, there are loads of things that are making people feel anxious, worried, confused. From endless statistical updates to news stories on the long-term impact of this challenging situation, all this talk of Coronavirus can make you feel a little overwhelmed. That’s why CALM have created the 'CALM Covid Blocker'. To help people limit when and how much Covid-19 news they consume in a day, so that we stay abreast of the latest advice and keep safe without becoming consumed by it all and watching all the information coming in 24/7.

Available on the Chrome Web Store, the extension identifies and blocks images and text relating to Covid-19 on any site visited. By allowing users to select how long they wish the extension to be enabled via an integrated timer, the blocker aims to help people enjoy a moment of calm, and feel a little more in control of the news they’re consuming as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

In the two months since lockdown began, The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a leading movement against suicide, has seen a record-breaking demand for their helpline, answering 24,100 calls and web chats, and directly preventing 101 suicides. Tools such as the 'CALM Covid Blocker' aim to help release some of the new and unchartered pressures we are facing and work towards lessening the impact of the current reality on our mental health.

CALM CEO, Simon Gunning said: “It’s a challenging time for everyone - with so much happening right now. Trying to keep up with the 24 hour news cycle can be detrimental to our mental wellbeing as it can be a constant source of anxiety and worry. We’re not suggesting people avoid the news altogether - it’s important to keep up to date with the latest advice and keep safe -  limiting when and how much Covid news you consume is one way that might help keep your feelings in check and give you the power to switch off and get some headspace. If you are struggling, CALM’s free and confidential helpline and web chat are available from 5pm to midnight, seven days a week providing practical, anonymous and non-judgemental support and advice, whatever you’re going through.”

Mat Goff, joint CEO at adam&eveDDB who helped develop the blocker said: “We are proud to continue our work with CALM and support the vital service they provide to those who are feeling down or have perhaps hit a wall, especially during these uncertain times. As we begin to realise and see the impact of this pandemic on our mental wellbeing, we hope tools like the 'CALM Covid Blocker' will be a useful addition to an individual’s arsenal of coping mechanisms and re-establish a sense of normality when most needed."

Ant Nelson and Mike Sutherland, joint executive creative directors at adam&eveDDB added: “In this time, when everyone is talking about one thing, it can sometimes be hard to find breathing space. With this extension, we wanted to help people find some moments of calm in their new normal, and some headspace to let the good in.”