Codes, And So I Watch You From Afar, Dark Room Notes and Le Galaxie are set to play a charity gig in the new year to help to raise awareness about mental health issues and the prejudices that surround them.
Taking place on Saturday January 15th 2011, First Fortnight is an annual event held in mid-January, which brings together some of Ireland's best musical talent with discussion and debate. This year First Fortnight have teamed up with Amnesty International and will donate all proceeds from the show to their mental health campaign "Challenging Prejudice and Discrimination in Mental Health". All the bands are performing free of charge, and their sets will be preceded by a lively discussion about the attitudes and behaviours towards people with mental health problems in Ireland today.
Daragh Anderson of Codes said: "We got involved with this event because mental health affects all of us – whether it's directly or a friend, a colleague, or family member who is experiencing difficulties."
Colm O'Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, said, "We know that the Christmas and New Year periods can be a particularly difficult and lonely time, so having an event like this in the calendar is great timing. It gives us an opportunity to come together and fight mental health prejudice and discrimination. Many people would stand strongly against other forms of prejudice and discrimination but don’t recognise the hidden 'ism' relating to mental health. This is a fun and engaging way for people to take a stand."
The afternoon discussion is free of charge and will start at 2.30pm. Tickets for the gig are priced at just €10 and go on sale tomorrow, December 2nd, from www.firstfortnight.com.
