One in six people are now estimated to suffer a common mental health problem every week. Charities across London are looking for new ways to help those who are suffering. City News spoke to two of them.

Key Changes, Islington

The mental health charity Key Changes is launching its own record label. Musicians referred to the programme by the NHS will be able to write and produce their own tracks, ready to be released.

Proper mentorship

Far from the cut-and-thrust world of the wider music industry, Key Changes hopes to foster an inclusive and relaxed environment for its musicians.

Producer turned mentor Jordan Wilks told CityNews that “artists at [other] record labels get milked for music and financial output. We put the artists’ mental health and rehabilitation first.”

And the results, he says, speak for themselves:

“I get just as much from this as the artists. You’re seeing the positive impact you have on people’s lives every day. It’s great.”

Newfound optimism

Yella Tzairi is one of the artists taking part in the scheme. Before finding herself at Key Changes, she had been homeless for seventeen years and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“I didn’t feel optimistic about my future,” she said, “I felt kind of hopeless.”

But being able to focus on a musical career has given her hope:

“Coming here made me realise my potential. From my poetry to my live performances – I never knew I could shake my butt and do flying kicks in videos!

“Mental health-wise, I’m at my best.”

A unique label

Peter Leigh, CEO of Key Changes, is excited to be able to take the step of launching a record label.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for a good couple of years. Our artists have already recorded a bunch of material which is of really professional quality.

“It’s a proper label with proper artists. It just so happens that the benefits on people’s mental health as well make it truly unique.”

An open mic launch will take place at St Luke’s Community Centre this afternoon from 16:00-18:00.

Dragon Cafe in the City, City of London

Massages, yoga, chess and nutritional therapy are just a few of the workshops on offer to help City workers de-stress.

Busy Location

The Dragon Café in the City Campaign has been set up in Shoe Lane Library in the heart of the City of London. Based amongst many office buildings, it is conveniently located for City workers to pop in at lunchtime for a break.

The workshops are free for all to attend as the campaign believes that money should not be a barrier to better engaging with mental health.

Workshops

Shoe Lane Library may not be the place where you’d expect to discuss mental health needs. But in its calm, non-clinical setting, people have the chance to unwind and better engage with their mental health. This can be through mindfulness classes, sound healing workshops, nutritional therapy and even a game of chess.

The aim of chess is to channel workers’ energy into focusing on the game in front of them. This helps to avoid reflecting on their own daily stresses and problems, often brought about by work in the City.

Male mental health

The campaign is all too aware of the need to address the stigma surrounding male mental health in particular. It recognises that many men may have a tendency to bottle up their emotions rather than address them. This can impact on their mental health and well-being.

Male speakers suffering from a mental health condition are invited to give talks. They act as positive role models for men learning to address their emotions.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK.  Males accounted for 75% of registered suicide deaths in 2017, a figure largely unchanged since the mid-1990s.

Kicking mental health issues

Dragon Café in the City also offers football sessions which are popular with male participants. They have found that many attendees are inspired to stay on for the problem-sharing sessions.

 

 

London news