As part of volunteering for Shine Radio, we meet lots of very interesting people – sometimes outside of the Petersphere. We were there for the making of a charity music video at The Groundlings Theatre, Southsea.

Jo Gray recently interviewed local musician Richard ‘Ricky’ Palmer at the Portsmouth leg of the Baton of Hope relay. He’s a regular on The Local Showcase & was one of the baton bearers.

Today, on World Mental Health Day, Richard released a reinterpreted cover version of ‘You’ve got a friend’.  All proceeds will be donated to a local mental health charity.

Image: Courtesy of Lewis Ford Photography

Richard invited to Jo the video shoot. Always on the rove for interesting stories she couldn’t resist recording a chat with fellow participant Nikki Coles – a former lady mayoress, who shares an insight into her public duty & subsequent mental health boost.

You’ve got a friend – the video

From singing to recording, video to production, those that took part in Richard’s endeavor share experience of how volunteering & helping others is good for your own mental health too.

Richard ‘Ricky’ Palmer talks to Jo Gray

A key message of the Baton of Hope is talking about suicide & Richard wanted to share his personal experience with us.

Useful links

Richard ‘Ricky’ Palmer’s worked with several musicians, collaboratively known as The Shine4U Project, to produce the single. Proceeds will be donated to Portsmouth-based charity Let’s Get Talking About Suicide.

The Groundlings Theatre is on the move – visit their website for more.

For more information visit batonofhopeuk.org.

If you’ve been affected and bereaved by suicide, Cruse is a dedicated service providing free and confidential support across Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Call 0330 555 0129, or visit crusenow.org.uk

If you need urgent help with your mental health, there is free support available 24/7 from the Samaritans – call 116 123.