Darlington's Listening Post boosted by Rhythm Dynamics donation

The group, who offer drum lessons across the North East, donated more than £350 to help the Listening Post continue to offer support to Darlington youngsters after hosting a showcase of talented musicians.

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Andy Brigham, founder of Rhythm Dynamics, said: "We hold showcase nights each year as it gives our students the opportunity to experience a live stage and demonstrate their progress in front of friends and family.

"Every year we raise money for a worthwhile cause and as the shows this year were to be held in Mental Health Awareness week, we thought it would be fantastic to support the work of The Listening Post.

"I feel that mental health across the board is often overlooked until it affects ourselves or someone close to us. The Listening Post do vital work helping and supporting young people all over Darlington and we are very pleased to have raised some awareness for the great work that they do."

The Listening Post was established in 2017 as a project run by Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry.

Martin Stand, project director, said: "Issues surrounding young people and mental health are rarely out of the news. It was in response to these headlines and our previous work in schools that we started the Listening Post in 2017. It has since grown and grown following demand.

"We now work in six secondary schools and the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, with early evening appointments also available at the new Primary Healthcare Darlington premises. We currently see over 60 young people a week, providing an opportunity for them to talk about issues that are worrying and concerning them.

"This allows the young person to unburden themselves, which in turn helps them manage their emotions and, in some cases, behaviour. We are so grateful that Rhythm Dynamics have chosen to support us this year, and as we are looking to recruit and train some new volunteer listeners this summer so the money raised will be used towards that goal."

Lyn Hatch, whose son Will, aged seven, was the youngest performer on the night, added: "The performances of all the students were excellent and the presentation about the Listening Post was powerful. We hear such a lot about the issue of young people’s mental health and wellbeing, it was great to find out how they are helping young people."

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