Frequently Asked Questions

Have you got questions like “How long will my donation take to reach the charity?” or “Why the hell are you doing this?” You are in the right place.

The short version

CALM of Mind Mike is a personal fundraising challenge supporting Mind and CALM, two mental health charities doing vital work across England, Wales and the UK. I am tracking the miles, sharing the journey, and raising what I can along the way.

The obvious one

Why the hell are you doing this?

Because mental health matters, and too many people are struggling quietly. This is my way of turning miles, sweat, stubbornness and occasional questionable decision-making into something useful. As a Mental Health sufferer, Therapy attender and massive advocate for speaking openly about mental health - this seemed like an excellent, if not blister inducing, way of doing it.

The challenge

What exactly is CALM of Mind Mike?

It is a fundraising challenge built around getting out, clocking up miles, visiting places, sharing the journey, and raising money for Mind and CALM. The main page tracks the mileage, places visited and fundraising totals.

Donations

Where does my donation go?

Donations are made through JustGiving and go to the charity linked on the donation page you choose. There are separate fundraising pages for Mind and CALM, so you can support either one or both.

Timing

How long will my donation take to reach the charity?

Although donations close on the 30th December, charities receive your donations reasonably quickly once it has been made. JustGiving handles the donation processing and passes funds to the relevant charity. The exact timing can vary depending on payment method, Gift Aid and JustGiving’s payment schedule, but the money is processed through their platform and should land with your selected charity in days.

Choice

Can I split my donation between Mind and CALM?

Not in one single click from this site. There are two separate donation links, so the easiest way is to make one donation to Mind and another to CALM, choosing whatever split feels right to you.

Gift Aid

Can I add Gift Aid?

If you are eligible, JustGiving should give you the option to add Gift Aid during the donation process. That can increase the value of your donation at no extra cost to you.

Tracking

How are the miles tracked?

The mileage total is updated from the challenge records feeding the site. It is there to show progress and keep the whole thing accountable, not to pretend every step is glamorous. Some of them absolutely will not be.

Updates

Where can I follow the journey?

The main page includes the TikTok profile link. That is where the more unfiltered updates live: the miles, the places, the rants, the rambling and probably a few moments of regret.

Charities

Why Mind and CALM?

Mind provides advice, support and campaigning around mental health. CALM focuses on suicide prevention and helping people through moments of crisis. Both causes are painfully important, and both deserve more support.

Alternatives

What if I want to support another mental health charity?

That is completely fair. If this has nudged you to support a different charity, that is still a win. You can visit the directory of UK mental health charities here: Other UK Mental Health Charities.

Money stuff

Do you personally receive any of the donations?

No. Donations are made through the charity fundraising pages. I am doing the challenge and shouting about it; the money goes through JustGiving to the chosen charity.

Pressure

What if I cannot afford to donate?

Then please do not put yourself under pressure. Sharing the page, checking in on someone, talking honestly about mental health, or just following along all helps. Money is useful, but it is not the only form of support.

Need help right now?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If you need urgent mental health support in the UK, you can contact Samaritans free on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258 for free 24/7 text support. You are not wasting anyone’s time by asking for help.

Still got a question?

That probably means I missed something obvious. Head back to the main page and follow the TikTok profile for updates, context and the occasional explanation that may or may not make everything clearer.