Torch songs
The Torch songs playlist will continue to grow throughout the year as part of the Campaign Against Living Miserably Torch Songs

A host of top music names have joined forces to create Torch Songs for International Men's Day (19 November) – a playlist of songs inspired by the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) which aims to combat male suicide.

BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephen's is championing the initiative which already features unprecedented covers from The Vaccines, Frank Turner, Years & Years, Twin Atlantic and Blaenavon. All these are now available via Spotify, iTunes and YouTube.

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More artists are set to contribute throughout the year, including Lower Than Atlantis and Twin Atlantic.

Stephens said: "Music is a constant, a saviour in the world which is unique to everyone. We all know how much music means to us, and can help us sometimes. The artists involved, sharing their unique cover versions of their personal Torch Songs, are magnificent.

"The songs strike the right note; give you hope; remind you of the possibilities; remind you you're not alone. We launch Torch Songs with some spectacular talents sharing their intimate Torch Songs with us – it's a great way to get people talking about talking."

Suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK. In 2015, 75% of all suicides in the UK were male. Male stigmatisation around discussing emotions remains a central part of the problem, state CALM.

The Vaccines' Justin Young, who covered Hope by The Descendents as part of the campaign, revealed he himself had been told to "shut the f*** up" by friends when mentioning feelings of depression.

Expanding on why he chose Hope, Young explained: "I think every band I have ever been in has covered 'Hope' and it's still one of my favourite songs of all time. Growing up listening to punk rock was so empowering and cathartic because of its raw power and anger. Often though, as a young boy, it was hard to relate to lyrically, but this song (and the album it came from – Milo Goes To College) spoke to me so deeply.

"I was 12 or 13 when my friend first played it for me, and I listened to nothing else for months. Obviously a lot of men find opening up and talking about their struggles and their feelings very difficult. I myself have been told to 'shut the fuck up' by friends when trying to open up, and I think it's a real problem we face."

CALM's helpline & webchat are open daily 5pm-midnight thecalmzone.net/get-help

The Samaritans provides a free support service for those who need to talk to someone in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It can be contacted via Samaritans.orgor by calling 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (ROI), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please contact a free support service at Mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393. Call charges apply.