A SINGER has channelled grief and strength of the human spirit into his debut solo single, with the proceeds supporting Mid and North East Essex Mind.

Jobie Baker wrote Hello in memory of his grandmother Margaret, who died in May, and in response to this year's tragic terror attacks in the UK and abroad.

Its thought-provoking lyrics personify control and sanity, Jobie explained, but inspiring them were his own mental health struggles, including revealing his sexuality to loved ones.

The 24-year-old, of Boxford, said: "The lyrics, 'I'm mad you had to go, so soon after saying hello' is a perfect way to represent that when you feel in control, everything seems to work, but when you lose that sense of control, and it goes so quickly after gaining it, you're so angry it hasn't lasted longer.

"You then end up feeling insane and unable to control how your feeling.

"Equally people can imagine this song being sung to someone they've lost recently."

Gazette:

Anxiety had stopped Jobie from performing for some time

The song is available to download for free on Soundcloud, but fans are asked to donate money to the regional mental health charity.

Having overcome anxiety as a teenager, Jobie had to undergo counselling to be able to sing again and now fronts the band Reno & Rome.

He said: "I never thought I could worry about worry itself, but it's possible. I've suffered loss, self-doubt, low self-esteem and many other feelings everyone can relate to.

"When I came out as gay to my friends and my family, the fear and confusion flowing through my mind was almost unbearable.

"This is why I'm here. To show anyone who suffers from any spectrum of mental health issues, you aren't on your own, and it's okay not to feel okay.

"You can still achieve anything you want and be whoever you want to be."

To download the single, click here and to donate via Just Giving, click here

For more information about mental health support, visit mnessexmind.org or call 01206 764600 Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

Key mental health facts:

  • One in four people will experience a mental health problem each year
  • In England, one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem in any given week
  • On average, each week 250,000 people will visit their GP about a mental health problem
  • Mid and North East Essex Mind is part of a network of 140 local Mind's which operate as independent charities