A Covid-19 charity concert by Frome singer Tom Carpenter is taking place online on Easter Monday (13 April) from 7pm- 8pm in aid of Mind in Somerset, the county’s leading charity for emotional support for Covid-19 as commissioned by Public Health Somerset and NHS Somerset.
Live-streamed from his living room, the hour-long evening of entertainment will see the 25-year-old jazz & pop singer, who was named “great” by Sir Tom Jones, cover much-loved classics from the likes of Michael Bublé interspersed with Tom’s personal experience with mental health as well an exclusive live performance of his brand-new single ‘Being You’.
The upbeat, funky pop single ‘Being You’ sends a powerful message to be proud of who you are – to recognise your imperfections “are just beautiful scars” and “don’t try to hide them ‘cause they make us who we are”.
Tom says: “The song tells a story close to my heart. At the age of 12 I was diagnosed with Tourette’s. It hasn’t been an easy ride but I’ve never let it hold me back. I embrace it and I find singing really helps. Tourette’s is a part of me and I’m proud to be me. I hope this song will help people to cope with any difficulty they might be going through. I hope to inspire others to not be afraid of being themselves because who you are really are, is real beauty.
“I’ve had my own health issues and I’ve seen my nearest and dearest experience poor mental health too, and with the uncertain times we’re currently in, I want to try and spread some positivity into people’s lives and raise money for Mind in Somerset who are providing such a great support for those who are really struggling from the impact of Coronavirus.”
Viewers on the night will have a chance to donate and learn more about the mental health charity which has set up Mindline Coronavirus, an emotional support helpline to help Somerset residents manage their anxieties and worries.
Tom developed a loyal fanbase after his appearance on the 2015 series of the popular BBC TV programme (now ITV) “The Voice” and received high praise for his vocals from the judges. Rita Ora named him “a great singer and a talented inspiration”, Sir Tom Jones said “You sound great, keep on going” and Will.i.am described him as “Freaking awesome”.
Andrew Pritchard, COO at Mind in Somerset and member of the Somerset Mental Health Health Alliance said: “We recognise that it’s crucial for people to access support for their mental health during these unprecedented times. The pandemic is affecting us all, but our message is that if you need someone to talk to, then support is there for you via Mindline Coronavirus. We’re thrilled that Tom Carpenter will be using his vocal talents to lift people’s spirits and raise awareness and funds for our 30+ other services, now operating online, to help the residents of Somerset.”
Tune-in to the Covid-19 charity concert online on Monday 13 April from 7pm- 8pm via: https://www.facebook.com/TomCarpenterOfficial
Donate to Mind in Somerset via: https://www.facebook.com/donate/328684824758634/ or simply find the ‘Tom Carpenter Covid-19’ fundraiser page here: Facebook.com/MindinSomerset
For more information about Mind in Somerset, visit: www.mindinsomerset.org.uk
If you’re worried about a loved one or what you’re seeing on the news, you are not alone. Mind in Somerset is here to listen and support. Call Mindline Coronavirus on 01823 276 892 (local call rate) Monday-Friday 9am-11pm and Saturday-Sunday 8pm-11pm.
