Music video puts mental health in spotlight

A trio of performers has created a moving music video to raise awareness of mental health during the coronavirus lockdown.

John-Phillip Bowen, from Standish, along with North West-based Duncan Heather and Duncan McManus, star in the poignant performance.

They have all had success in the music industry whether it be as a solo act, in a vocal group or in musical theatre touring productions.

When the coronavirus lockdown hit they all immediately lost all performance work indefinitely.

So with it being a worrying time for everyone including those with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, they decided that the only way to show support and understanding for the crisis was through music.

John, who moved to Wigan around four years ago from America, said: “We want to raise awareness of the NHS and its wonderful Every Mind Matters campaign and hope that the message reaches as many of those that are suffering as it can.

“At the moment, the video has is doing well on social media with 40,000 views and 720 shares across all posts and platforms to date, but we want a huge reach beyond our organic one so more people can hear and see this wonderful message.”

The song was written by Andy Duerden and was the perfect fit for the group’s message, and features people who live in the town’s the trio live in.

John explained how the song and video, recorded and filmed remotely from their homes, is the trio’s way of raising awareness and showing support for the NHS Every Mind Matters campaign.

To watch the full video, visit facebook.com/duncheather/videos/10163788122305457.

For more information about the NHS Every Mind Matters Campaign, visit nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters.