A BROMSGROVE band has been out and about busking in Worcestershire and Herefordshire to promote mental health support.

Split Second, a band made of 15 and 16-year-olds has teamed up with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust to encourage young people to speak about their struggles.

The four-piece has written a new song, called ‘Reach Out’ about the impact of the pandemic on their mental health.

They have been performing the song, alongside their other music, at events over the last week.

Levi Husbands, guitarist in Split Second said: “Lockdown had a big impact on my own mental health which led me to the NHS and the writing of this song.

“We hope anyone who hears the track is encouraged to ‘reach out’.

“You are not on your own and there are people and organisations out there who can help.”

Staff from the NHS trust, which provides mental health care to children and adults, have been on hand at the recent events to share information about local support.

Trudy Neal, participation and engagement worker at the Health and Care NHS Trust said: “The music events were attended by staff from the trust and from several local organisations and it was a great way to share information about the help which is available to any child or young person who might be unsure where to go to talk to someone.

“Our hope is that the video will be used in schools and colleges to show young people where they can go to get some help."

“This was driven by the work of young people on the trust’s Youth Board, a group of 14–24-year-olds who volunteer in the NHS.

“They provide a voice for young people and wanted to reach out to their peers in an innovative and accessible way.”