Scottish singer Lulu makes rare admission on mental health and says 'it's scary'
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Scottish singer Lulu is urging those suffering from mental health issues to open up about what they are experiencing ahead of her charity's first major event.
Admitting 'it's scary', she claims the chats are important as mental health wasn't talked about when she entered the industry, reports the Daily Record.
The 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.
She realised mental health was a major factor throughout her life, whether it was her own or a loved ones.
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."
Lulu announced her new mental health charity was being set up in February after coming off the back of her Champagne For Lulu farewell show last year.
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
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