Tag Archives: Dave

Comedy channel Dave partners with CALM to launch social cue cards to fight post-lockdown apprehension

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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.”

Firebox partners with comedy TV channel Dave to launch the Flat Pack Pub

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The quirky gift retailer, Firebox has partnered with the comedy TV channel, Dave to launch of the world’s very first Flat Pack Pub. It follows a study of 2000 adults which found that 53 per cent of us are more excited about a trip to the pub than reuniting with extended family.

The 15-piece home assembly kit has been specially crafted to help thirsty Brits who have found themselves locked out of beer gardens due to the mass block bookings and lack of outside spaces upon the re-opening of pubs across the country this month.

The ‘build your own’ boozer follows widespread reports of pubs up and down the country selling out of bookable tables for months. Dave’s findings revealed that three quarters (75 per cent) of thirsty Brits have been unable to secure an outside booking at their favourite local once the rules relax from April 12.  

 The Flat Pack Pub affectionately nick-named ‘Dave’s Barrel of Laughs’ provides the perfect prescription to help counter lockdown pub limbo. The fully articulated pub can be assembled in minutes and features a solid stained wood bar, realistic backdrop and two bar stools.

All the materials have been weather treated, making Dave’s Flat Pack Pub suitable for interior and exterior use. 

 Comedian Jon Richardson, who famously has his own pub The Dog & Bastard in hit UKTV Original series Meet the Richardsons, stars in the demonstration video which showcases the versatility of the world’s first buildable boozer. 

 Luke Hales, channel director for Dave, said: “Everyone loves a local pub and it doesn’t get more local than this – in the garden, in the lounge, in the bath – we’ve designed a pub that fits in anywhere.

“We know many people feel locked out when it comes to pub bookings so this is the perfect excuse to have a lock in at your very own local’. And just like Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont in Meet the Richardsons – we realised, if you can’t get to the pub, build one at home.” 

 Original Dave research found that a quick witted fifth (21 per cent) of adults made pub bookings whilst Boris Johnson was announcing the lockdown exit plan on live TV. In a desperate dash to secure space, on average there were eight bookings per person at four different pubs, with a third (32 per cent) of people admitting that they would travel over an hour to be able to sink a swift one. 

 One in five (22 per cent) said they were ready to splash the cash and drop over £50 on the bar tab on the first visit back whilst the average Brit is set to spend £31.50. 

Three quarters (74 per cent) agree that we have become handier during lockdown with almost a third (31 per cent) admitting that they have turned to their newly discovered DIY skills to recapture the pub experience on a small scale in their homes by setting up a bar area, buying cocktail making equipment and purchasing drinks trolleys.

The most pint-parched city was Coventry, with 37 per cent of Coventrians admitting they had made a booking during the lockdown announcement.   

 When it comes to age however it’s youngest finger first, as the tech-savvy 18-24 year olds were hottest on the booking forms – with many expecting to enjoy their first legal drink after a year in lockdown. 

 Dave’s Flat Pack Pub was inspired by returning series Meet the Richardsons, which starts tonight at 10pm on Dave.