A LEADING children’s charity have launched a partnership with several UK rappers and poets to raise awareness of a new mental health helpline for those struggling during the pandemic.

Barnardo’s announced the collaboration today on World Music Day of a helpline service titled “Boloh” targeted towards Black, Asian and ethnic minority young people and their families.

Rappers participating in the campaign include the 2021 Voice contestant Jason Hayles, Sheffield’s Poet Laureate Otis Mensah, the acclaimed UK rapper Lemzi, alongside wordsmith TrueMendous, spoken word artist Terrell Lewis and the renowned South Asian rappers Premz and Hyphen.

The artists will mark the day by sharing a piece of spoken word or rap on their social media platforms about their personal mental health experiences during the coronavirus pandemic to encourage their followers to seek help if they need it.

The campaign acknowledge that young people have borne the brunt of the pandemic through navigating changes in their education and job market that have caused a “roller coaster of experiences and emotions,” including isolation, grief or everyday stress.

Figures have shown that Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities have been disproportionately affected throughout the pandemic, with black people four times more likely to die of the virus compared to their white counterparts.

Socio-economic factors have also exacerbated the existing systemic inequalities they face, such as with overcrowded housing.

The new helpline is a way for young people to express and cope with what they have been experiencing is through music, poetry and spoken word, and using it as a form of connecting with, or escaping from, real-life situations.

Leethen Bartholomew, Head of the Boloh helpline at Barnardo’s, said: “Music, rap and poetry are all tools which children and young people sometimes use to express and manage their grief and trauma.

“At Barnardo’s we hope that through the support of these inspirational artists, more young people will be empowered to talk openly about their mental well-being, and reach out for help when they need it.

“The Boloh helpline was created because of the problems faced by children, young people and their families who have been affected by the pandemic and lockdowns. As we look ahead, we want to ensure young people from all communities have the right support available to help them cope with their mental health.”