Men’s health explored in charity song

AIMING TO RAISE AWARENESS AND TACKLE STIGMA

A CHARITY has created a song to raise awareness of men’s mental health.

The Game, composed by Equality Action, in Loughborough, explores a man’s journey navigating and escaping his mental health struggles through gaming.

Artist Lacky C, pictured, who is also from Loughborough, provided vocals, alongside youth groups. The single was released on May 12, on all major streaming sites.

Equality Action helps black, Asian and minority ethnic (Bame) people to access the appropriate mental health services and improve their wellbeing through community projects.

Project officer Anita Barand said: “Conversations started in September.

“We contacted several youth groups and then a music producer contacted us and played some beats for us to decide if they were something we could use.

“We put a call out on social media and asked who would like to get involved.

“There were still apprehensions because of Covid. People were still scared to gather in large groups. Having Zoom meetings enabled more people to get involved in devising sessions.

“The planning meetings showed us people really like gaming and that became the central theme of our song.

“Through gaming people choose different characters and alter egos, disguising who they are.

“It became an interesting vehicle for them to say how they are feeling through the characters they create.

“We held a second session where we looked at words, themes and images, which resulted in us having the song in lyric form.”

Lakhbir Legha – Lacky C – said: “I did a Zoom online workshop with Equality Action and we talked about mental health.

“They wanted me to share some of my musical expertise. After a couple of weeks they approached me about this song they were working on, and asked if I’d be interested.

“Children from a youth group noted key words associated with mental health and then I formulated the track using all the words they came up with.

“The Game ended up being about a man’s escape from his mental health problems by gaming.

“Generally men are, by social norms, expected to be tough and not show emotions and so I’m hoping the song encourages youth groups, especially Bame communities, to come forward if they are suffering with their mental health.

“At the very least, I hope the song sparks conversation eliminating the negative stigmas associated with men’s mental health.”