The comedy TV channel, Dave has teamed up with the mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to create a series of conversational cue cards to help people who are feeling apprehensive of social situations as lockdown comes to an end.
The cards were created following original Dave research which found that four in five (81 per cent) of British adults are exhibiting some nerves over restrictions lifting. Many of us are exhibiting symptoms of ‘post lockdown anxiety’ as we become increasingly apprehensive about re-entering real life social situations, suggests the findings.
The Dave study pinpointed work, parties and long overdue visits to the in-laws as key stress points.
The conversational cue cards which are available on a first come first serve basis via CALM’s ambassadors are supported with a suite of light-hearted video tutorials, giving top tips for how to successfully navigate social interactions without trepidation.
The videos, which feature Darren Harriott; Stevie Martin; Ania Magliano; Ahir Shah; and Seann Walsh deal with everything from work meetings in person; to remembering how to dance in public; to tips on how to quietly leave a social situation without being noticed.
The short films form part of Dave and CALM’s reintegration guide for people that are worried about having to interact with other humans after a year of screen time. The guide also includes a unique set of conversational cue cards, which give tips on conversation starters in real life, and are deigned to help break the ice as we emerge from lockdown.
Steve North, UKTV’s genre general manager, said: “Coming out of lockdown is stressful for the best of us. We’ve been talking into a screen for the better part of a year and many are worried about having to interact in real life. Gone are the days of being able to mute someone on Zoom or blame bad internet when you want to sneak out of an event.
“Dave is all about bringing people together to have a laugh – and we’re thrilled to be working with CALM to help encourage people to start having real life conversations again following an extraordinary year of lockdown.”
Simon Gunning, CEO, CALM added: “There’s no denying lockdown has had an huge impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. In the 365 days following the first lockdown the CALM helpline has answered over 147,000 calls and chats. That is a call for help every 62 seconds, with chats and messages exchanged around topics such as isolation, anxiety, relationship concerns, health worries, financial stress and suicidal thoughts.
“After being stuck indoors for so long, having the ability to see your mates at the pub, visit our families and get out of the house is great. But understandably for many it might be uncomfortable getting back into the swing of things. We’re all on different timeframes, so It’s important not to expect too much. Humour is a great way to make people feel at ease and we’re delighted to be partnering with Dave to raise awareness, encourage people to talk more, and accept its OK not to be OK.”
