HITMAKER ON THE
A SONGWRITER for the Military Wives choir today reveals how the singers helped him through as his life hit a desperately low note.
Composer Paul Mealor turned to alcohol to relieve stress as a hectic workload took a toll on his wellbeing.
Speaking as the Military Wives movie is about to be released, he says he took time off to seek counselling.
And among the first to offer support were the Wives and their founder, choirmaster Gareth Malone.
Paul, 44, helped catapult the choir to stardom by composing their first hit Wherever You Are – which they performed in front of the Queen.
His songs – inspired by the wives’ stories of heartache and longing for soldiers at war – touched millions across the globe.
And the singers were there for him when he needed it most.
He says: “Gareth and the Wives were among the first to message me once they had heard of my troubles.
“They offered support and friendship as did many fans, students, friends, colleagues and the public.
SIlENcE
“Many messaged me with similar stories. It’s amazing how many people suffer in silence. They don’t have to.
“Help is there and is good. All we need to do is realise it and seek help sooner rather than later. We need to break down the stigma.”
Paul says he had begun to feel anxious and friends and students pointed out he wasn’t himself.
He adds: “I sought help and support and found it.
“I also decided to speak openly about men’s mental health issues and, even though it proved incredibly difficult to pluck up the courage to speak about it on an international platform, in many ways it helped with my development.
“My composing has never been stronger and I have found the beginnings of peace.
“I feel revitalised and ready for new challenges. I suppose, in many ways, the Military Wives’ strength has found itself as a melody inspiring the chords of my inner music.”
Now in good health, Paul is excited about the Military Wives movie – out on Friday – and is “delighted” to have a small role.
He says: “I was asked my advice and I’m even more delighted to have played a small part in enabling the Wives to open their voice to the world. I’m so excited about the movie and what it will do to bring even more attention to these wonderful women and all they do.”
The film, starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Jason Flemyng and Sharon Horgan, follows a group of women in England whose partners are serving in Afghanistan. They form a choir and find themselves at the centre of a media frenzy.
Paul was already a renowned composer and one of his pieces was performed at the royal wedding of William
I feel revitalised... the Military Wives’ strength is a melody inspiring my inner music
PAUL MEALOR ON HOW CHOIR GAVE HIM A VITAL BOOST