Southsea teenager writes and records song to support mental health charity Solent Mind

Aptly named Darkness, Harrison Rhys, 14, penned the ballad to help release his own frustrations of being confined during lockdown and ‘not being able to see friends and family’. Money raised from the song will go towards supporting the mental health charity, Solent Mind.

Keen musician Harrison, who has previously performed at Victorious Festival, said: ‘A lot of people have been struggling with mental health during lockdown and I wanted to do something to help.

‘I think a lot of people have been in a dark place as they have struggled with being away from friends and family. I have been doing some of my school work online which has fortunately kept me busy.’

The Mayville schoolboy, who plays guitar and piano and has previously recorded two other singles, set up a recording studio in his own bedroom where he recorded the song. More than 40 friends and family sent him photographs and captions depicting mental health concerns which Harrison then used to put together an accompanying video.

Local artist, My Dog Sighs, also sent an image to be used in the video.

‘I just think the song and its lyrics can be helpful for people suffering from mental health problems,’ said Harrison.

Mother, Louise Etherington, 40, said she is ‘really proud’ of Harrison’s efforts in doing something positive to help others.

Louise said: ‘Mental health is a difficult thing for teenagers to talk about. I think it’s brilliant for him to have had the motivation to set up his own studio and not only write but learn how to produce this song.’

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The song can be purchased from today (June 12) on Bandcamp and from Monday (June 15) on Amazon and iTunes. It will be left to peoples’ own discretion how much they want to pay for the song but a minimum £1 payment has been set.

‘I would like to raise at least £200,’ said Harrison.

Solent Mind are a charity which provide support services to people with mental health issues across the south.

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