Leeds Winter Collective at The Corn Exchange

Leeds Winter Collective at The Corn Exchange - Charity Event for Mind

Local musicians and artists paired up with the mental health charity Mind, to raise money and promote awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The event took place at the Corn Exchange and showcased work from local artists and live sets from eight acts.

Mind describes SAD as: "a form of depression that people experience at a particular time of year or during a particular season. It is a recognised mental health disorder... If you experience SAF, the change in seasons will have a much greater effect on your mood and energy levels, and lead to symptoms of depression that may have a significant impact on your day-to-day life."
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The iconic building was decorated with an array of fairy lights, vines, flowers, tapestries and grass blocks, bringing spring back into the colder months. Inside the arches of the building there was virtual reality games and a mindfulness workshop.

The event was organised by Ben Schrodel and Daniel Parker-Smith, from indie-pop group The Harriets, who headlined the night.

Also playing the night was singer-songwriters Mark Pratt, Emily Mercer, Alice Clayton, Tom Lee of Hora Douse, folk group Little Blue Thula, Leeds University Acapella groups The Cosmipolitones and The Songsmiths and Flukes.

The artists at the event were: WAY, Lucy O'Connell Rena Bobena Designs Co., Danielle Goulé, and Rachyillustration.

Lucy O'Connell said: "I'm really supportive of Mind, so it's really good to be a part of the event and I think all of us creative minds can understand how important talking about mental health is."

Leeds Beckett's Speak Up Society was also at the event. The society is student ran and is starting important discussions about taboo subjects such as sexual assault or mental health. The group have a series of videos discussing various topics and are providing a safe space for students to talk about their experiences.

Overall it was a well organised night that showcased some fantastic local talent and raised awareness and funds for a very important cause.

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