The Mercians: Spreading Music and Mental Health Awareness

Music has a unique power to bring people together, to uplift spirits, and to convey messages that resonate deeply within us. This was vividly illustrated during two remarkable events where 110 students gathered to listen to the electrifying sounds of The Mercians, a band that not only rocked the stage with their mix of covers and original songs but also spoke candidly about mental health issues facing young people today.

As the band strummed their guitars and belted out lyrics that echoed through the halls, they seamlessly wove in discussions about mental health and the challenges young individuals encounter. From personal experiences, they shed light on the stigmas surrounding mental health, urging the audience to seek help when needed and to foster an environment of kindness and understanding.

Janis Wild, the Event Organiser and BLC Enrichment Officer, expressed her admiration for The Mercians, stating, "The Mercians are extremely gifted musicians who really engaged with our young people through their music. They delivered a powerful message to our students, who got a lot out of the visit and learned the importance of looking after their mental health and how to recognize the signs if someone is struggling."

The band's message resonated deeply with the students, who not only appreciated the music but also embraced the meaningful dialogue about mental health. Their comments reflected the impact of The Mercians' performance:

• "I am putting my t-shirt on my wall!"

• "We loved your music but also your message."

• "It was brill!"

• "That was proper rock!"

• "Seriously you guys are sick!"

At the conclusion of the events, students had the opportunity to engage further with the band, asking questions, snapping selfies, and collecting autographed t-shirts and flyers. It was a moment of connection, where the barriers between performer and audience dissolved, leaving behind a shared understanding and a renewed commitment to treating one another with kindness and respect, irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality.

The impact of The Mercians' visit extends far beyond the stage. It serves as a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and initiating conversations about important issues.

The Derbyshire Times link is below:

https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/education/indie-band-delivers-powerful-message-through-performance-at-buxton-leek-college-4555202