Scottish icon Lulu is advocating for mental health as she launches her own charity.
Lulu has set up a charity to help people suffering with mental health issues.(Image: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
Ahead of her charity’s first major event, Lulu is urging those suffering from mental health issues to try and speak to their loved ones about what they are experiencing, saying: “It feels scary but you’ve got this”. She claims that these chats are important as mental health wasn’t talked about when she entered the industry.
The Scots singer will be leading the first significant event – a sponsored walk – on May 19 for her charitable fund Lulu’s Mental Health Trust. The 76-year-old decided to set up this fund while writing her memoir that covered her 60 years in the music industry.
While recalling the beginnings of her career, the Mirror reports, the star realised that mental health was a major factor throughout her life, whether it was her own or a loved ones.
Lulu rose to fame with her catchy tune Shout.(Image: Ron Howard/Getty Images)
She said: “The process of writing my memoir opened my eyes to the role that mental health has played in my life. Whether that’s my own mental health, my loved ones, colleagues, whatever.
“When I was first coming into the industry we didn’t talk about it! But it’s so important, and I want to give back. People will understand what I mean when they read the book I think… it’s coming soon.”
Looking back on her career, she added: “It feels kinda full circle. I’ve supported lots of charities over the years and still do, but to be able to put this together myself and help make a difference is really touching.
“We never talked about mental health or mental illnesses when I was growing up, I’m glad it’s now something we’re aware of.
“It feels important to take a minute to look back at everything I’ve achieved and take time to think how I can use it to give back to those that need it.”
Coming off the back of her Champagne For Lulu farewell show last year, which was extended due to high demand, Lulu announced her new mental health charity was being set up in February.
Lulu with her band The Luvvers.(Image: Getty Images)
The singer began her career with her catchy tune ‘Shout’, which she performed alongside her band The Luvvers. After the track reached number seven in the UK singles chart, Lulu went on to have another 10 UK top 10 singles and one top 10 album.
For her charity’s first major event, Lulu is set to lead a mammoth walk which starts in E1 0AQ at the school she filmed ‘To Sir With Love’ and finishes at the old Decca studio where she recorded ‘Shout’ in NW6 3AU.
Throughout the walk, she will pass other places that are connected to her impressive six-decade career.
When asked what she hoped people would take away from this campaign, she said: “The message we want to put out about how important it is to nurture and look after your mental health.
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“If they take away anything, I’d love for it to be that there is help out there if they need it. If you’re struggling please talk to someone. Talk to a friend, a family member, or someone trained in what to do and say. It feels scary, but you’ve got this.”
She added: “People have been so generous. I didn’t expect so many people to sponsor me and it’s only our first initiative! There will be more to come.”
At nearly £16,000 in sponsorship so far on her Just Giving page, you can sponsor Lulu and support her new charity at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/luluswalk