Mental health awareness will be centre stage at two upcoming stand-up shows in Inverness.
Award-winning author, activist, rapper and social commentator David McGarvey takes his acclaimed Fringe show Trauma Industrial Complex: The Live Show to Eden Court on June 11 as part of a UK and Ireland tour.
Folk-punk singer-songwriter and relentless gigger Fraser Morgan also visits the city for a show at The Bike Shed on June 13.
Both performances are being held on a joint profits basis to raise funds for mental health charity Centred Scotland and its pioneering Discovery College in Inverness and Caithness.
The college offers drop-in sessions and peer support training for people with mental health and addiction issues.
Darren’s book, Poverty Safari, which partly describes his experience of growing up in impoverished circumstances, won the Orwell Prize for political writing in 2018.
His documentary, Addictions, which explored his challenges with addiction, won the BAFTA Scotland best factual series award in 2022.
In the same year, he won the Royal Television Society Scotland best documentary and specialist factual award for the series Darren McGarvey’s Class Wars.
He said: “Mental health is a massive issue for all of us. At various points in my life, I’ve sought support.
“I also know how economic pressure, alcohol and drug use, the rise of social media, and an increasingly unstable world are driving mental health issues.
“I have good friends from the area who’ve been directly impacted by these issues, so I am glad to collaborate with Centred and Eden Court to deliver a show that speaks directly to these problems.”
He said the show offers a model for how someone experiencing challenges might begin re-examining their beliefs about themselves and the world.
“The evening offers not simply a show, but an hour of discussion afterwards, creating a sense of community so central to overcoming mental health challenges.
“And despite the heavy subject matter, there are many moments of light and laughter – something we could all do with more of.”
Fraser, named One to Watch For 2025 by BBC Introducing, is known for the high levels of passion, energy and showmanship he brings to his live shows.
His latest release ‘The Revolution’s Coming’ featured recently on BBC Music Introducing.
He said mental health is something he is extremely passionate about and initially wanted to become a therapist before pursuing music instead.
“A lot of my music is actually about my own mental health and the things I can struggle with, navigating on a day-to-day basis.
“It’s all very open and honest, and I think that’s because I want to reassure others that they’re not alone. Statistically, if I’m experiencing something, chances are someone else will be experiencing that thing too.”
He is keen to help Centred and its work.
“I think in today’s world mental health charities such as Centred are more important than ever.
“If it wasn’t for all the help and support I received via mental health support and therapy I wouldn’t be who I am today.
“Not everyone has the best start to life, I certainly didn’t, but everyone deserves to be shown that not only are they worthy of being loved, but they also should be allowed to become the person they deserve to be.
“People deserve love, kindness, compassion and acceptance, no matter how their life has gone.”
The shows are part of Centred’s use of music and art to help address mental health ill health.
The charity has held pop-up events at the Discovery College and has a guitar available for people to pick up while visiting.
Christine Butchart, Centred’s Brand Marketing Manager, said: “These two shows will look at mental health in a direct but positive way.
“Both Darren and Fraser have faced challenges and by talking openly about them in this kind of setting can have a real impact on others.
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“We are extremely grateful to Darren and Fraser for helping us raise funds and awareness of the help that is available in the Highlands.”
She added: “Music is highly beneficial for mental health, reducing anxiety, alleviating depression and improving mood.
“It also lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), slows heart rate, promotes relaxation, and helps process complex emotions.”
