A SINGER will release a fundraising single in aid of World Mental Health Day - and has filmed the accompanying video at Durdle Door.
Kieran Knowles, From Blandford, has recorded his second single, 'Shout Out Loud', to encourage listeners to talk to someone about how they are feeling if they are struggling with their mental wellbeing.
The song will be released at midnight on October 9 ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10. The video filmed to accompany the song shows Kieran walking along the beach and clifftops near Durdle Door.
The singer is working with Dorset Mind to promote the single and will be donating all the profits to the mental health charity.
Marianne Storey, chief executive of Dorset Mind, said: "We were honoured to be asked by Kieran to collaborate with the promotion of 'Shout Out Loud'.
"The song emphasises the importance of expressing your feelings clearly and helps to spread awareness of mental health, which is something we at Dorset Mind are passionate about."
Kieran, 31, has struggled with his own mental health and found music to be a source of great comfort to him. He said: "At the time of writing 'South Out Loud' I was having frequent anxiety attacks and felt as though I was floating through life on a level where I was neither happy nor sad.
"Music is something that can grab your soul in the darkest of times and pull you into the light."
Mind has deemed this year's World Mental Health Day to be particularly important as the effects of the pandemic have impacted everyone. According to research by the charity, 60 per cent of adults and 68 per cent of young people said their mental health got worse in lockdown.
Dr Andrew Mayers, a Dorset Mind patron and academic at Bournemouth University added: "All too often the stigma towards mental health prevents people from talking and seeking help.
"Kieran will help show more people how speaking up is so beneficial - it is the first step on the road to recovery."
The single will be available to download and stream online from October 9.
For more information on mental health, visit the Dorset Mind website.
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