University Centre Rotherham Music students create charity gig to raise awareness for mental health

Level 5 BA Popular Music Performance and Production students at University Centre Rotherham (UCR) are working together to fundraise for mental health charity, Mind, by project managing charity event, Peace of Mind Festival, at local music venue, The Trades.

Students are planning to play a variety of sets from classic rock to Britpop, including performances from BTEC Level 3 Music student band, Cherry Blister and Level 4 degree student, Katie Greaves.

Toni Myers, a Level 5 Popular Music Performance and Production student, said, “Mental health affects 1 in 4 people, and as a group we thought this was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness for this particular issue that can not only affect young people like us, but musicians as well.”

Marley Hawkridge is also a Level 5 degree student, and will be performing in both his acoustic band Hawkridge and Jones, and newly formed band Where’s My Mind?

Marley said, “At first it was difficult to make sure everyone was equally involved in the event as we’re a large group, but to make sure we all had a good role we’ve assigned each other different tasks such organising bands, venues and fundraising, and it’s all really starting to come together.”

Rob Bellis, Lecturer and Skills Assessor at University Centre Rotherham (UCR), added, “This is a fantastic way for students to develop project management, planning and organising skills, as well as experience what is needed to succeed in their industry, and the amount of effort that goes into creating a successful event; all the while fundraising for a fantastic cause.”

Peace of Mind Festival is at The Trades in Rotherham on Friday 22^nd March, from 7.00pm until 11.00pm, with doors opening at 6.30pm. Tickets are £4.50 and you can buy these from the music venue or on the door on the evening of the event.