Young musicians learned about a charity’s mission to support mental health through music thanks to a guest speaker at HSDC South Downs.
Students from the Creative Industries department enjoyed a visit from Jim Barber, project coordinator from Tonic Music for Mental Health, a charity based in Portsmouth.
Jim took time to promote the charity’s important and dynamic work in supporting individuals with their mental health issues through music engagement and specific projects such as the Tonic Rider campaign.
The event was supported by two fantastic sets from Holly Knowles and Harrison Rhys, Level 3 Music Production students, who both performed a selection of original and cover songs from their performance repertoires for the gathering of students.
Dean Clarke, Music Lecturer, said:
“I have personally witnessed Tonic’s mission impact in my own community in Southsea and through funds raised by previous music students who had promoted gigs for Tonic as part of their coursework, so bringing the charity’s work to a whole new cohort of music students at HSDC seemed a highly logical development.
“The event was a strategic success in terms of Tonic outlining to those who attended how they can be proactive in support of mental health and wellbeing and even become ambassadors for the charity through its music provision and projects.
“It proved a valuable exchange with many enquiring how they could become involved in promoting the central message of mental health and wellbeing through music for young people to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle that promotes aspirational choices, confidence and recognising the power of community in supporting people through music. A powerful and positive experience for all involved.”
HSDC hopes to invite Steph Langan, Tonic’s charity director, to visit at a later date to meet with our creative students. Enormous thanks to our technical team, Steve Wood and Summer Sprake for their support and assistance on the day.
Find out more about Tonic at tonicmusic.co.uk and visit our course finder to learn more about studying the Creative Industries at HSDC.