‘Concert of Hope’ to be held in north Belfast
A concert aimed at instilling hope and promoting good mental health will be held in an area of north Belfast that has been impacted by suicide.
The ‘Concert of Hope’, featuring Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy, will be held at the Sacred Heart Church in north Belfast.
It is hoped that the free event will act as a catalyst and lead to the development of a community choir in the Oldpark area.
The event, to be held on Saturday 23 April, is a partnership project between local residents, Lighthouse suicide prevention charity and other community and youth organisations, the Public Health Agency (PHA), and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
Jo Murphy, Coordinator at Lighthouse, said: “The concert is about instilling hope, building resilience and empowering residents within the community. We are delighted that the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and Brian Kennedy are lending their support on the night to this community event. We hope that the concert will lead to a new community choir being started which will encourage people to get involved in something within their local area.”
The event is being held for local residents and fliers publicising the event have been delivered to homes in the area. Tickets have now been distributed to residents who were interested in taking part.
Brian Kennedy is a multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter, TV and radio presenter, and author. Speaking about the upcoming concert, he said: “I was honoured to be asked to take part in the event and am pleased to lend my support. This is an important issue, so any small part I can play in promoting good mental health in the community is something which I am enthusiastic about getting involved in.”
Séamus Mullen, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement with the PHA in Belfast, said: “'Suicide is a complex issue but coordinated action across different sectors is taking place. Reinforcing hope and positive wellbeing is also essential.
“We are encouraging people in the area to consider joining the new community choir. Getting out, connecting with others and trying something new, which are all within the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing, can all have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. Learning new things can make you more confident as well as being fun.”
For further information on the concert phone Lighthouse on: 028 9075 5070.
For further information on looking after your mental health and the support services that are available in Northern Ireland see www.mindingyourhead.info
Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing was developed by Belfast Strategic Partnership’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Group and is based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation (NEF). Further information and resources for Take 5 can be found at the following link: http://www.makinglifebettertogether.com/take-5-steps-to-wellbeing/