A talented teen from Derry/Donegal has written a song to raise awareness for people struggling with mental health.

Ellie-Rose Henry, a third year student at Deele College Raphoe, wrote the song ‘Monster Inside My Brain’ and has set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for a host of charities.

She said: “I noticed how much our city is suffering due to Mental Health/ Suicide and Addiction, especially during lockdown. 

“So I wrote a song to help raise awareness for people who are suffering from these horrible illnesses. I just want them to know that they are not alone and help is available. Never feel ashamed, never feel like you can’t talk to anyone. I think more needs to be done to help people and their families going through these hard times. Our city definitely needs a rehab centre as well that is funded by the government as families can’t afford to pay for these services.”

Ellie-Rose has connected with well-known Derry personalities, such as Mayor + Graham Warke, ‘Mammy’ Banter’ Serena Terry, and athlete Danny Quigley to promote the campaign.

Watch the video below:

Ellie Rose wrote on her GoFundMe:

‘Hi, my name is Ellie Rose Henry; I am a 15-year-old singer/songwriter from Derry/Donegal. Recently I wrote a song about mental health, suicide prevention and addiction to try and help people who are suffering from these illnesses and raise awareness.

‘I wanted to reach out and let all generations know they are not alone and there is help from these fantastic charities. I’ve set up this GoFundMe page to help the charities supporting me on this song. The following charities include:

Foyle-Search And Rescue
Hurt
Zest
ARC
Samaritans
Lifeline
Me4Mental
CCIS extern
PIPS
‘I’ve chosen to support these charities due to the huge amount of work they do in the city, saving the lives of people and families. I would be most grateful for any donation towards these charities, no matter how big or small.

‘It can make a difference to these non-funded organisations that do a lot of work regarding mental health / suicide prevention & addiction. I hope my song and video can help raise awareness and relate to others suffering to let them know they are not alone and help is always there.’

To donate, click the link.