A highly successful event at St Aldhem’s Academy earlier in March, saw local singer-songwriter Stacey Leighann perform her new single ‘House of Cards’ as part of a series of talks and musical acts, raising awareness about child sexual abuse and mental health. Supported by Amelia McCloskey, manager of AM Studios in Longham, the event raised £450 for two Dorset charities, Acts Fast and Dorset Mind. Acts Fast are a Bournemouth-based charity supporting the non-abusive surviving family of child sexual abuse victims. Dorset Mind support clients with mental health difficulties across Dorset.
Amelia said “AM Studios chose to be a part of ‘Open Eyes to Mental Health’ event as I have been personally affected by mental health issues within my family so it’s a matter close to my heart. My Artist (Stacey) wrote about an important subject of abuse for her single release so I fully supported the decision to get involved to raise awareness for charity.”
Anna Windett, trustee for Dorset Mind said “Dorset Mind would like to thank all those involved in the event, there were some incredibly brave and inspiring speakers and musicians. We would also like to thank Stacey for donating the money raised to Dorset Mind, along with Acts Fast. We are a locally funded charity, so any donation is incredibly important in allowing us to continue our work supporting those with mental health problems and raising awareness across Dorset.”
Mandy Gulliver, director of services said “We are extremely grateful to Stacey and AM Studios, for their very kind donation, which will help us to continue our vital work of supporting parents and carers, when their child discloses sexual abuse, to listen, support, and to help with the impact of the trauma the family is suffering.”
The cheque handover was hosted at Bournemouth University by Dr Andrew Mayers, psychologist and mental health campaigner. Dr Mayers is Chair of Trustees for Acts Fast and Patron for Dorset Mind. He said “On behalf of both charities, I would like to offer my gratitude to Stacey and Amelia, and all those involved in the highly successful event. We raised a great deal of awareness about child sexual abuse and the impact this has on mental health. The social media conversation for the event attracted over 1 million Twitter impressions.”
