Cheese, Wine & Mental Health-a new chapter begins

Aim: After some tough years I need a little help to get back on my feet, finance Curd & Corks, fundraise for mental health & suicide prevention

Cheese, Wine & Mental Health – A New Chapter Begins

Hi, I’m Damian Caldwell – and this is more than a business venture. It’s a comeback story.

In late 2019, I took a leap and opened The Bull in Gosmore — just four months before the world shut down. Like many, the pandemic turned life upside down. We adapted the pub into a village shop, hosted takeaway nights, and even ran online cheese and wine events to keep spirits up.

Despite our best efforts, we had to close our doors in 2023. We lost our home, our income and at times my mind,  but thanks to the incredible support from friends, family, and the NHS, is how I'm still here and now starting to rebuild.

Now, I’m turning to something that’s always brought people together: cheese and wine.

The Dream: Curd & Corks

Curd & Corks is a passion project born from over 20 years of hosting cheese and wine nights. My vision is to bring curated tasting experiences to homes across the UK – featuring seasonal and regional selections delivered to your door, guided virtually by yours truly, “Cheesy Damo.”

The plan includes:

Monthly and seasonal Cheese & Wine Tasting Boxes

An online wine shop for those favourites you fall in love with

A future range of seasonal hampers

But there’s more. This isn’t just about business – it’s about giving back.

A Mission That Matters

With your help, I want to launch regular Cheese & Wine Nights for Men’s Mental Health – safe, informal spaces for men to connect, talk, and share. These quarterly (and eventually monthly) events will be free to attend, breaking down the stigma and silence around mental health and suicide. I’ll also use Curd & Corks to fundraise for national charities supporting this vital cause.

This is a big ask, and not easy for me to make. But your support won’t just fund a business – it’ll help rebuild a life, create connection, and support others facing silent battles.

Thank you for reading and for any help you can offer – from donations to sharing this project.

Damian x

#CheeseWineMentalHealth

#CurdAndCorks

#CheesyDamo

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 25th August 2025 at 6:31pm