A Salford charity is hosting a series of events this week in support of World Suicide Prevention Week.
The charity Jak’s World has been running events offering support sessions, live auctions, raffles, and live performances, including rap.
The organisation will be using these to eliminate the stigma of mental health, as it works hard toward its goal of zero suicide.
The charity started after a beloved son, friend, and brother, Jakub Halani took his own life at the age of 19.
The talented musician became very successful in music production from a young age.
Following his death, his family agreed to remember Jak by providing guidance and support to youth.
His father, Ronak Halani, 43, has worked with Jak’s World and spoke of the importance of continuing his son’s legacy.
He said: “It is the worst pain, the worst grief you can experience with the loss of a child.
“It was quite traumatic, and life-changing. So life will never be the same for all of us, family and friends.”
He added: “It gives me a slight bit of solace knowing that we are going to continue to keep his name alive, and spread his legacy in terms of music.”
The charity launch will be hosted tonight (Thursday) at the Bee Orchid at Clipper Quays and will host a live performance from Porteya, a proud supporter of the charity, ahead of a second event at Lower Kersal Social Club on Friday.
Entry to the Bee Orchid event on Thursday 12 September costs £10.
Funds raised will help to support continuing work to deliver Emotional Health First Aid, Suicidal Thoughts First Aid, career and educational support, and financial management advice.
Ronak said: “We’re not calling it mental health because that can have some stigma.
“It can be for any sort of emotional trouble that can lead to any trauma or anything.
“Instead of feeling like you’re alone or you don’t have any other choice, there is always a choice. There’s always something we can do.”
The family’s steps will also coincide with Jak’s World Studio, as they intend to establish a studio that is accessible to everyone.
This will become essential for the family, as they hope to encourage an affordable place for young and upcoming artists to grow in the area.
The charity also holds another event on Friday night, with close friend Hansel Ungudi, 20 otherwise known as H2S, hosting an open mic night.
The Lower Kersal Social Club event will run from 8-11 pm, encouraging fans of freestyle, rap, and UK drill to come along.
The free event will allow anyone to come along and support the young performer, whilst connecting with fellow music lovers and supporting a great cause.
Ahead of the event, Hansel said: “The charity is keeping his legacy alive, we’re also still touching people and letting them express how they feel in this whole environment.
“We have been friends since year seven, I was there with him when he started his career and pushed him to go forward with it.
“He used to make beats and he sent me his first one.”
With the close relationship, he continued to add: “I know that if I’m doing something for him it just brings me that sense of fulfilment.
“It’s not a thing where I’ve moved on in life and forgot him he’s always going to be there beside me.
“Its what allows me to continue to feel as though he’s still here with us.”
The featured image credit: Jak’s World Charity
Recent Comments