NI Musicians to show how music can help promote good mental health at West Belfast event

A group of NI musicians are to take part in a special event in West Belfast where they hope to use music to dispel stigmas around mental health.

Sem;colon is a special audio and visual show that is designed to raise awareness around mental health while promoting and supporting those charities in Northern Ireland that provide vital support to those who are struggling.

Next month the organisation will host a show on June 21, at the City Life Centre where artists from across Northern Ireland will come together for a night of "laughter, music and good vibes".

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Speaking to Belfast Live, Cherese Bates of Sem;colon said that this is the third year that they are holding their charity show and that it aims to support the wide range of local charities who are on the front lines of Northern Ireland's mental health crisis.

She said: "Mental health is something that impacts people across Northern Ireland and I know what it can be like when you become so low that you find it very difficult to face the world.

"For a lot of people reaching out for help can be very difficult as they are worried about facing ridicule from others, but it is important that there is help out there for them.

"In 2019 I came up with the idea of Sem;colon and wanted to use the power of music to bring people together and show the positive impacts that it can have on your mental health.

"With the pandemic there wasn't much that I could do at first, but two years ago we held our first show in aid of charity Pure Mental NI. Last year we had even greater success with our fundraising and are hoping that this year we can do it again for a range of different charities.

"There is a real mental health crisis in Northern Ireland at the minute and NHS services are overwhelmed with the pressures they face and charities have become the frontline in helping and supporting vulnerable people.

"There is going to be a great array of artists playing on the night and I would like to encourage everyone to come along for a great night of laughter and good vibes."

If you would like more information regarding the event or would like to purchase tickets, you can do so via this link.

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