Today at Holgate, students in years 8 and 9 were treated to an afternoon of music as we were visited by upcoming band ‘The Hara’, who are currently touring schools and colleges around the country and are being billed by BBC Introducing as the ‘next big UK band’.

The boys from The Hara performed a number of their songs to our excited audiences, and also spoke to our students about looking after their mental health, the power of social media, and looking out for friends and family. Together with being performers, the band are keen mental health advocates, having personal experience of bullying and cyber-bullying earlier in their lives and careers.

Lead singer Josh said: “There’s a lot of pressure on young people and that need to constantly fit in, coming from social media and your friends at school. But it’s alright to stand out – that’s when you know you’re on the right track. I got bullied at school for wanting to sing, but I realised that it doesn’t matter what people think, and look at where it’s led to! There’s still a stigma about mental health, but don’t be afraid to talk about it and get help if you need it.”

Guitarist Zack added: “As people we focus so much on what others think about us, and change our personalities to suit them rather than focusing on ourselves. We want to reassure you all that being yourself is fine, and if you’re doing things that make you happy, then you’re better off than paying attention to others – it’s so much more valuable to you.”

Drummer Jack echoed the message, saying: “Everyone goes through different situations. Be yourself, look after yourself and look out for friends and family around you.”

The band also spoke about the importance of being smart on social media and how things you put on the internet can have an impact on your life at a later date. They outlined the pitfalls of posting negatively, but also highlighted what a brilliant place it can be if used in the right ways.

Thank you to The Hara for joining us and providing both an entertaining set together with sharing their own positive mental health messages.

To find out more about them, visit www.theharaband.com