Mental health video goes viral thanks to a few familiar faces
It's important to keep talking and ask for help
Last updated 12th Feb 2021
Never has mental health been as important as now.
When the country first went into lockdown back in March 2020, Harry Lambert (23) returned home to Coalisland, after studying musical theatre at London's ArtsEd. He started to notice the worrying impact the pandemic can have on our emotional and mental wellbeing.
Harry, a talented singer/songwriter and producer, felt like he wanted to spread a message of positivity and hope during these tough times. "The idea for the video has been burning for quite a while now," Harry shared. "During the first lockdown I noticed that people were starting to produce these amazing covers, where people recorded a video from their own homes individually, to create one song. I approached my close friend Eamon McGarrity, who assists when I produce and direct musicals/concerts. I asked him if he would help out and he jumped at the opportunity."
Choosing the right song was an important part of this project: "For me, choosing a song that dealt with mental health was crucial, this pandemic has taking many of us to some dark places. So I felt it was important to get that message out there, to look after your mental health in whatever way you can."
The original song itself has musical interludes of dialogue, so Harry came up with the idea for to fill this space with key messages from local celebrities. "My assistant Alex McFarland and I got to work contacting everyone we could think of that would be willing to help. Meanwhile Eamon started to record the music and edit the video together, with the help of his team at Red Hill Media." Joined by a host of local famous faces, the support behind this campaign has been fantastic! Stars of politics, sport, stage and screen each have their say on how we can all look after one another.
The ensemble cast is made up of over 30 Northern Irish performers, both amateur and professional. "Some have performed in the West End and others in their bedrooms," jokes Harry. "But every single one of them are incredibly talented. I have had the pleasure of either directing or working with them all in a cast. When I shared the idea with them, they all loved it and wanted to take part. We owe it all to them for sending in their amazing harmonies and videos."
At the end of the video Harry highlights an important message, there are a number of incredibly helpful charities here in Northern Ireland that offer support 24/7.
"We can come out of this pandemic stronger than ever if we talk and stick together as a community, there is help out there. We're delighted to have charities like PIPS, PAPYRUS, Extern NI and Lighthouse all on board, so please reach out, seek help and keep talking."
If you'd like to talk to someone or are in need of support, please get in touch with some of these fantastic local charities.
PIPS Charity - 0800 088 6024
PAPYRUS - 0800 068 4141
Extern NI - 028 9084 0555
Lighthouse- 028 9075 5070
Lifeline - 0808 808 8000