A MAN from Newton-le-Willows is set to DJ at an event to raise money for a mental health charity following his own battle with mental illness.

Ian Ascroft, who started off as a ‘bedroom DJ’ producing music from home, will be hosting the event to raise money for Mind Charity.

After reaching out for help, Ian wanted to help others deal with mental health issues through music and was encouraged to organise an event by a new friend.

Ian said: "My experience with mental health has taught me that I want to help other people going through the same situation, going through anything that is troubling or worrying them, or that it is affecting their mental health.

"One of the tools that have really helped me through my darker days and something I share with my friends is DJing; it’s been such a positive experience for me.

"During lockdown, when I felt particularly low and alone, I reached out to a house music DJ who was one of the DJs on House FM radio station.

"I initially messaged her thanking her for helping me through lockdown with the music she played, and I wanted to let her know that in general, it was helping mental health, but now I want to try and stop people getting to where I did in life, so they don't have to struggle or feel alone."

The graphic designer formed a DJ group 'Good Vibes Good Times' with his pals Alan Bridge and Gavin Mitchell, with House FM DJ MissRay contributing when in the area, to encourage people to reach out and turn to music for support.

The trio have already performed in Ashton, Liverpool, and Southport, with their first Newton appearance taking place this month.

St Helens Star: Ian pictured with Alan and Gavin Ian pictured with Alan and Gavin (Image: Ian Ascroft)

'Music will never let you down'

Discussing the benefits of music on mental health, the 46-year-old added: "From my own experience with my mental health, the only thing that helps me out really is music; it brings back happy memories for me.

"That’s why I wanted to do something sufficient with music because it can touch people; music will never let you down and it will always be there for you.

"If I didn’t have a few good friends and the music, I think I would be in a different place."

St Helens Star: Ian is in a better place and thankful for music and his friendsIan is in a better place and thankful for music and his friends (Image: Ian Ascroft)

A message from Mind 

Ian O’Reilly, head of community and events fundraising at Mind, said: "We are really grateful to Ian for choosing to support Mind through a DJ night and we wish him well.

"It continues to be a really challenging time and many of us will be feeling the impact of the pandemic on our mental health and wellbeing, especially for those of us with existing mental health problems.

"One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and it’s so important that no one has to face this alone.

"Every donation that Mind receives allows us to campaign to improve services and provide information and support.

"This includes through services such as Mind Infoline, legal line, and our online peer support community for adults, Side by Side, so we can be there for as many people who need us as possible."

Ian will be hosting the event at The Balcony on Newton High Street on Friday, January 27, followed by an appearance at The Cellar in Ashton-in-Makerfield on February 4.

During the evening, those attending will have the option to scan a QR code and donate to Mind.