It has been organised by What Where When editor John Gregory and he explains here the reasons behind the event and the music that is in store.

There are just a few weeks to go now and I am really looking forward to the RADIUS concert which will be a fun night of live music.

RADIUS is an acronym I came up with and it stands for Raising Awareness of Depressive Illness and Uniting Against Stigma.

I have suffered episodes of depression over the years and despite its being a common illness – depressive illness affects one in four people in their lifetime – it is often still misunderstood.

Unfortunately, even though we are in the 21st century and the illness has been around since the beginning of time, is common all around the world and affects people from all walks of life, there is still a degree of stigma – though I do believe things are changing.

I had often thought of raising awareness of the condition but it was following my last episode, in 2007, that I did so.

I had a sudden and quite severe episode and once I began to get better, after a period of several months, I decided I should use the skills I had to contribute to raising awareness.

I wrote an article about my experiences which was published in the Isle of Man Examiner in March 2008 and the response I received was amazing, with many people sharing their experiences with me and some saying how the article had helped.

I was truly overwhelmed.

I then decided I would organise a concert. During my last episode it was impossible at first for me to do many of the things I take for granted and I had no feelings for the interests I would usually enjoy.

My main interest is playing the guitar and for a while I couldn't pick up a guitar or even listen to music as I was so ill. Thankfully, as time went on, my interest returned.

Last year, 2008, saw me play the guitar more than I have ever done in my life and I loved every second!

As a result of the article I was asked to speak at the annual general meeting of the Service Users' Network, a Manx mental health charity. I was delighted to be asked and have since become a member. Part of the proceeds of the RADIUS concert will go to SUN, while other proceeds will go to the UK-based mental health charity SANE.

There will be information about both organisations available on the night.

Anyone who is a member of the Service Users' Network is entitled to a free ticket. Please contact the charity directly for details.

I am delighted so many talented musicians will be involved on the night.
I and my good friend Tim Cass (harmonica, vocals) will start the night off with an acoustic set.

Singersongwriter Anna Goldsmith will be performing solo, accompanying herself on the piano, and Celtic duo Matt Kelly and Paul Rogers, who I was so impressed by when they performed as part of the GuitarFest event last year, will also be playing.

Will Greener, a musician from London who is also known as Captain Bliss, will be coming to the Island specially for the event.

Tim and I played at a charity event he organised in Hammersmith last year.

I am thrilled he is involved as one of the bands he plays in, Hey Negrita, are one of my favourite groups and Will is a great guy.

Tim and I have also put together an electric band for the occasion and we will be playing some up-tempo tunes to finish off.

I have never organised anything on this scale before but it has been fun and I am delighted with the interest I have had from people.

I have kept the ticket price deliberately low – just £3 – I know people may not have much money to spend at the moment and the emphasis is on raising awareness, though, as I say, funds will go towards two charities.

They are available from Peter Norris Music, Douglas, Shakti Man, Ramsey and Celtic Gold, Peel and it would be great if people could buy their tickets in advance as I hope as many people as possible will support this.

Depression can affect anyone – noone is immune from it and there is a range of ways it can be treated.

Unfortunately, not only is depression a terrifying illness, the fact that there is some stigma also makes it even more difficult for those who suffer from it.

This concert will be a great night of live music and it starts at 7.30pm. If someone benefits from the information that will available on the night then that will be fantastic.

A big thank you to everyone who has shown their support so far, it is something that really means a lot to me.

www.serviceusersnetwork.com
www.sane.org.uk
www.myspace.com/radiusiom
www.centenarycentre.com