CALM -

The Last

Photo

The Last Photo was CALM’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative, shining a light on the heart-breaking reality that suicidal doesn’t always look suicidal. It went on to be the most awarded campaign in the world in 2023 - winning the Grand Prix in film at Cannes, Campaign of The Year at the Campaign Big Awards, 12 D&AD Pencils and saw CALM win the Advertiser of Excellence award (which only three brands have ever received before) at the British Arrows.

 

I led internally on the campaign and, with adam&eve, we landed on a simple yet powerful and emotionally charged idea that put those who have died by suicide and their families front and centre.

The problem: people think they know what suicidal looks like. And if they don’t see these stereotypical warning signs, they hesitate to intervene.

So, we launched an unbranded public art installation ‘The Last Photo’ featuring images of happy, smiling people. The next day, the true nature of the exhibition was revealed: these are the last photos of people who have died by suicide, highlighting the truth that ‘suicidal’ doesn’t always look suicidal. In the week that followed, we ran a national OOH campaign to share these last photos and provide vital, life-saving advice right across the country.

The results were staggering: it kickstarted a national conversation about suicide, with mentions of suicide increasing by 33%. There were:

  • 759 individual news features

  • 17 million OOH audience reached

  • 7.1 million+ views on YouTube

  • And 90% of the UK population reached with our vital message.