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Local band ‘Split Second’ have teamed up with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust to promote young people’s mental health across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Residents within the two counties are invited to come along to one of the 5 free one-hour live sets from the band between 1-3rd August.

Split Second are a Worcestershire based band comprising of four 14-15 year olds who have written a new song, ‘Reach Out’, about the impact the pandemic has had on their mental health. 

Levi Husbands, Songwriter on Reach Out and Guitarist in Split Second said: “Lockdown had a big impact on my own mental health which led me to the NHS and the writing of this song. It’s serendipitous that the two have come together and we’re now collaborating with the Trust to launch this exciting project.

“We’re really proud of the song and we hope it ‘reaches out’ to as many people struggling with their own mental health issues and provides a sense of empathy that they’re not on their own and there are people and organisations out there who can help.”

Alongside a live performance of the track, the event will host information on health and wellbeing support for children, young people and their families.

Trudy Neal, Participation and Engagement Worker at the Trust said: “The pandemic has put a huge strain on many young people who were already struggling with their mental health. We hope these events will signpost to a range of local support available for young people and their families.”

“You will also be able to hear about volunteering opportunities to help shape young people’s services for 14-24 year olds in the NHS. These roles provide a voice for young people to ensure the services the Trust provide are effective and accessible for everyone.”

Katie, member of the Youth Board at the Trust said: “The Youth Board has also helped me to gain confidence and have a better understanding of the NHS. I have also been able to gain lots of skills and experience which I have added to my CV.”

The events are as follows:

Monday 1st August
•  Malvern – The Cube @ 11.30-12.30pm with activities 11-2pm

Tuesday 2nd August
• Kidderminster - Band stand, Brinton Park @11-12pm with activities 10-2pm
• Redditch – Arrow Valley visitor centre (near the play park) @ 2-3pm

Wednesday 3rd August
• Ross-on-wye market square @10.30-11.30am
• Old Market, Hereford City Centre @1-2pm

Sunday 14th August the band will also be opening the Worcester show at 11am on the main stage. Located at Pitchcroft, Worcester and free to enter.

These events will also be filmed to create the official music video for the song using Harms Way Studios. The campaign will culminate in an official music video that will be released later this year.

To find out more about the music events, mental health support available and volunteering opportunities visit the website: www.camhs.hacw.nhs.uk/reachout-music   

You can also search ‘officialsplitsecond’ on Facebook and Instagram to listen to more from the band.