The energy at The Roundhouse on Sunday 18 November was electric. Over 3,000 enthusiastic people gathered to support the first ever Music 4 Mental Health event featuring a barrage of music artists, all taking to the stage in aid of erasing the stigma around mental health.
Pop sensation Ed Sheeran kicked-off the evening and was welcomed to the stage by thousands of screaming fans. Nothing But Thieves, Olly Murrs, spoken word poet Hussain Manawer, Anne-Marie, Ella Eyre, Louis Berry and Professor Green all delivered phenomenal performances throughout the night with X Factor star James Arthur closing the show.
The all-star line-up was hosted by Jordan Stephens, one half of Rizzle Kicks and #IAMWHOLE’s founding ambassador. Jordan spearheaded the debut Music 4 Mental Health fundraising concert, following the incredible success of #IAMWHOLEtheinnovative anti-stigma mental health campaign launched in 2016 and developed in partnership with the NHS and YMCA as a direct response to the mental health difficulties being experienced by children and young people.
“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” Said Stephens.
Among the crowd was YMCA volunteers, staff and youth ambassadors from all across the United Kingdom.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales said: “We were delighted to be part of the Music 4 Mental Health initiative. We have seen first-hand how music can be an incredible source of inspiration and support for young people, it offers an outlet to express their emotions, bring people together and open up conversations.
“Through collaborating with these incredible artists, some of whom have had personal experience with mental health difficulties, we will be able to reach even more young people with our message and get a step closer to breaking down the stigma which stops so many young people speaking out and seeking support.”
Music 4 Mental Health was a monumental collaboration project, partnering with the UK and Ireland’s leading youth and mental health charities. YMCA was partnered alongside the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and The Mix.
For more information on YMCA’s collaboration with #IAMWHOLE click here.
