News And the Beat Goes On
06/05/2010
MENTAL HEALTH SET TO ROCK THE POLLS ON MAY 6th
Mental well-being will be firmly on the agenda at a special election night benefit gig at the Adelphi Club on Thursday, 6 May.
Organisers of ‘And The Beat Goes On’ are hoping that music lovers will vote with their feet by supporting the fundraiser in aid of PSYPHER, a local service which intervenes early when young people experience mental health problems, helping them to lead a normal life.
Young people who use the PSYPHER service have put together the line-up, which features a wealth of local musical talent, including Circus Envy, My One Man Band, Megany and Stephany, Kate Agerskow and the Nick Rooke Band.
For the team, organising the gig has been a therapeutic process, allowing them to get involved and put something back into their community. They hope that a big turn-out on the night will raise awareness of the help that is out there for young people experiencing mental health problems.
Megan Mennell, who will be performing on the night, began creating music as part of a film project documenting young people’s experiences of psychosis.
She said: “For many young people, music is a catalyst. It provides an outlet and a form of expression that leads to a greater sense of yourself. If I can play live, I feel I have the confidence to do anything.”
All the musicians appearing on the night are giving their services for free, with all proceeds from the door and a percentage of CD sales going to Friends of PSYPHER, an independent group set up to support the service.
Mick Harding of headliners Circus Envy said: “It's important to support local initiatives and services that seek to make the lives of people in our community better. PSYPHER is one such service and we're pleased to be able to add our support to something so worthwhile in the community where we live.”
While the gig will offer welcome relief from election swing-o-meters and political pundits, it also provides a timely reminder that no government can afford to sweep mental health issues under the carpet.
Kate Macdonald of event sponsor Jellycat Media Ltd, said: “Whoever gets in, I hope they don’t think simplistically about making cuts but think about what works for young people.”
“Ultimately early intervention services save money by reducing the cost of hospital admissions and making it more likely that people recover, find employment and lead fulfilling lives.”
And The Beat Goes On takes place at the Adelphi Club, De Grey Street, Hull on Thursday, 6 May. Doors: 7.30pm.
Editors’ notes:
• PSYPHER (Psychosis Service for Young People in Hull and East Riding) provides creative opportunities and other services for young people between the ages of 14-35 experiencing a first episode of psychosis and supports them and their families in their recovery.
• Jellycat Media Ltd is a social enterprise providing multi-media business services and real work opportunities and workshops to young people aged 14-35 who have experienced mental health problems.
• Psychosis is four times more common than diabetes in young people. In the UK over 100,000 people receive treatment for psychosis every year with around 7,500 new cases in England alone. 70-80% of people will get better within 36 weeks of receiving support and treatment. However, it currently takes an average of 1-2 years between people having psychotic symptoms and getting effective help.
Media enquiries:
Kate Macdonald, mob. 07545 696007, email: kate@jellycatmedia.com
Steve Walsh, mob. 07815 655015, email: steve@jellycatmedia.com