Live music is a brilliant way to bring people together for a worthy cause; providing community, support and a platform for discussing pressing issues.
The very first Music 4 Mental Health gig is set to be held at The Roundhouse in London – hosted by award winning mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE – and there will be some very big names on stage indeed.
Indeed, the one and only Ed Sheeran, MBE will reportedly be opening the show with a ‘stripped back acoustic set’. He will be joined by R&B artist Ella Eyre, X-Factor winner James Arthur, chart topper Olly Murs and singer-songwriter Anne-Marie.
The evening will be compèred by #IAMWHOLE’s multi-talented founding ambassador, Jordan Stephens, who is also a member of hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks. This event has been made possible thanks to an innovative charity partnership between CALM, The Mix and YMCA.
In a press release, multi-Grammy Award winner Ed Sheeran said:
I’m so excited to be taking part in the first-ever Music 4 Mental Health event at the Roundhouse in November. Music is such an amazing way of taking the mental health conversation to a new level.
27-year-old Ed is a committed supporter of the #IAMWHOLE campaign and has spoken candidly about his own mental health problems.
Dedicated campaigner Jordan Stephens said:
Music is a language that everyone understands and has the power to unite people from all walks and thoughts of life.
I can already feel the conversation opening up in regards to mental health so now it’s time to take action and really help people. With these great charities and the support of the music industry, we have a chance at doing something amazing.
26-year-old Jordan, in partnership with the NHS and YMCA, was moved to launch #IAMWHOLE back in 2016 to address the mental health problems experienced by children and young people.
Creative Director of Whole/#IAMWHOLE Matt Campion said:
If there was ever a sign that the needle is shifting towards more openness and honesty around mental health, then Music 4 Mental Health is it.
I’m beyond excited that Ed Sheeran, James Arthur and Ella Eyre are the latest to join our line up alongside Anne-Marie and Olly Murs. Let’s shift that needle some more! I AM WHOLE.
Ella Eyre, who The Evening Standard has described as ‘Brit Beyonce’, said:
I’m really excited to be performing at the Music 4 Mental Health event in November. Music is such a powerful way to bring people together – it’s something we can all relate to and get involved with.
I’m glad to be playing a part in raising awareness and support for the amazing charities working to end the stigma surrounding mental health.
BRIT Award nominated James Arthur said:
Mental Health and the issues that surround it can only be tackled by people speaking out about it.
The Music 4 Mental Health fundraiser showcases the commitment being made to bring mental health awareness to people’s attention and I’m proud to be a part of a cause that’s very personal to me.
You can purchase Music 4 Mental Health tickets from 8am on September 7 through Roundhouse.org.uk and Whole.org.uk. Tickets will cost £85 each (subject to booking fees).
If you’re experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They’re open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58, and they also have a webchat service if you’re not comfortable talking on the phone.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.