The Akenside Traders, on Dean Street in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, is hosting a Meet the Brewer event with local Tyne Bank Brewery in aid of CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, on Thursday 22nd August. CALM is a leading movement against male suicide, now the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.
From 7pm customers can come along to the pub and meet the team behind the award-winning brewery and sample some of its newest and most exciting ales. The pub has also organised some local acoustic acts to perform on the evening and a raffle to help raise money for the charity. Prizes include an Amazon Echo Dot, tickets to the Newcastle Falcons, dinner for two at a local restaurant and a generous bar tab. The Akenside’s regular DJ, DJ Tony Mac will pick up the entertainment later, taking the party into the night.
General Manager and the brains behind the event, Andy Warris, and his team have already raised over £350 for CALM through a sponsored 11-mile hike across England’s highest peaks in the Lake District. His passion for the charity has come from working at the pub, which is in close proximity to Tyne Bridge. The bridge has sadly seen a steady increase in the rate of fatalities over recent years, as people tragically turned to suicide, seeing no other way out.
Andy said: “We have all been affected in one way or another, working so close to the Tyne Bridge. It is terrible to think that things get so bad for people, that death seems like the only option. That is what CALM aims to combat and the team and I are right behind them. Its hotline is open from 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year, the team are active in communities and they work tirelessly to challenge destructive male stereotypes.
“I want to thank everyone who’s been a part of this fundraising initiative, from the gang who dragged themselves out on our hike, to everyone who has kindly donated to our raffle. All their hard work will pay off in what CALM can do for men in need. It’s going to be great having the Tyne Bank guys in too. They are making some really exciting cask ales at the moment and we are also looking forward to learning more about them.”
The event comes as part of Andy’s participation in Stonegate Pub Company’s ‘Accelerator Programme’. The course is part of its award-winning development programme, designed to give staff the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and proceed within the company.
Akenside Traders, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1PQ
Date: Thursday 22nd August
Time: 7pm