North Leeds: Night of laughs to tackle stigma

The Hi-Fi charity night will support Inkwell, which runs projects like this gambling awareness event for teens.

A group of third sector organisations known as SoundMind are helping to organise the event on Wednesday, March 9, which will feature a host of comedy stars and musicians performing to shine the spotlight on mental health.

Special guests and top comedians such as Daliso Chaponda and compère Harriet Dyer will be helping to set the stage for the show, which will also include the soulful sounds of Sifaka, a popular live music band in Leeds.

Proceeds from the event will go towards mental health charity Leeds Mind, and Chapel Allerton’s Inkwell Arts, which provides a creative space primarily for those with mental health problems.

Speaking about the event, Mark Cruse, manager at Inkwell Arts, said: “One of the interesting things about an event like this which SoundMind are putting on is the fact that people can come together and enjoy comedy for an evening and learn more about the issues around mental health. It’s a really positive way to move forward. The more conversations people have about mental health, the better.”

Mark Lee, operations director at Leeds Mind, added: “There is still considerable fear and ignorance about how mental health difficulties impact on individuals lives.

“For example, around 40 per cent of employers say that they would be unwilling to employ someone with a mental health difficulty. There are still people who believe that having a mental health difficulty leads to violence.

“Research shows that people who experiencing a mental health difficulty are no more likely to be violent than the rest of the population.”

The event will take place at the Hi-Fi Club and will also include free entry to the  ‘moveonup’ club night.