truly talented

The Mental Health Focus for some TV Networks Is, Well.. Mental. 17/03/2017 12:01 Will Young British singer-songwriter and actor For the last six months, I have been looking to try and get some programmes on mental health and wellbeing, and how people live with it in the UK, onto television. My desire is to connect with real people, look at their daily lives, the treatment on offer, the financial limitations, lack of awareness and the exciting future in terms of diagnosis and recovery. To be clear this article is not coming from a jaded place. I am not licking my wounds over it not happening to date, but I do believe that TV networks are missing the point of mental health, and how it should be portrayed. A few weeks ago, a channel approached me to take part in an immersive treatment experience. They wanted me and four other ‘known people’ to undergo exposure therapy, which can be defined as: ‘A technique in behaviour therapy used to treat anxiety disorders. It involves the exposure of the patient to the feared object or context without any danger, to overcome their anxiety and/or distress’ For context, the therapy is recommended to take place over between 8-12 weeks. I have undergone similar therapy in dealing with chronic PTSD, an extreme anxiety illness. Exposure therapy it is not something to be undergone lightly and the reason why it is done gradually and gently, is that if one is exposed too quickly to too much it can create a flood of neurological responses that overwhelm the frontal lobes of the brain. This can cause the brain and body to go into trauma hijack. The results if not monitored carefully, can ultimately lead to such a sense of hopelessness that they turn to suicide. The concept for the programme was for me to undergo exposure therapy in 24 hours, which has never been done before. Having studied somatic re-experiencing (the same as exposure therapy in its goal) this in my opinion is the most foolish and dangerous thing I have ever heard! I was effectively going to be used as a guinea pig to see what would happen under such extreme circumstances. Guaranteed drama. Guaranteed “jeopardy’ - a word that is the go-to place for any celebrity-based programme to maximise ratings. I decided to call the casting agent, to let them know how appalled I was at this idea, and to make them aware of the dangers of such an undertaking. I also stressed that there is no educational element, but purely sensational - a huge difference. The terrifying thing was that the channel clearly believed this was educational, and it was clear the casting person had no idea what he or she was undertaking... although this was not their fault. My sadness and frustration is in equal measure, as this is not the only example I have come across. TV networks want to maximise their views, and there is an obsession with ‘keeping the audience’ by providing an educational element. Mental health isn’t exactly Doc Martin, but I am baffled as to how a network can lure in an audience to be ‘entertained’ by mental health. In my opinion, the networks are missing the point. By hoodwinking an audience into watching sensational viewing they are at best presenting sensationalisation of mental health and at worst failing to educate at all, creating even more shame for people who experience it than they already do. For me, a conversation about mental health leads to connection. Through my vulnerabilities I connect with others who open up and share about theirs. The connection deepens, and we relate as true humans through all our inner and outer experiences. The shame is replaced by respect, empathy and love. The best way to show how mental health affects people and how we can help is to strip away the sensationalisation and allow people simply to tell their stories. If things are to be experimental then for God’s sake do it in a safe way. The upper echelons of networks, the people who are looking to create dramatic are playing a dangerous game without having a grasp on the true facts. Let people connect with people, that is the power of great documenting. The audience rating may lessen but the power of the message will be greater. Surely that is what educating and learning and healing is about? Follow Will Young on Twitter: www.twitter.com/will_young31

Looks a gorgeous setting. :wub: http://cdn.ltstatic.com/2011/June/OM263641_942long.jpg

Delighted to be able to make this one :cheer: On 14th June he'll take to the stage for his only full live show in London this summer, in the stunning Tudor courtyard of Hampton Court Palace. Alongside some classic jazz standards, he will also perform new adaptations of his much-loved songs. Also, expect an abundance of funny stories and charming commentary throughout! https://hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com/artists

Latitude Festival also welcomes Will Young to headline the Music & Film Arena. The critically acclaimed singer will join Latitude with his band for a rare performance of Summer Jazz Sessions.

MIGHTY HOOPLA ANNOUNCE WILL YOUNG PLUS RAYE, GIRLI, ALMA, PORTER AND MORE bit.ly/2ml8WQg Bit different to the jazz festivals. :lol:

New email with link to download wallpaper - Hello lovers, brothers and mothers, Love is in the air, and to celebrate this hot day I am giving away an exclusive series of wallpapers. By downloading, you will automatically be placed in a draw to win an original signed print of yours truly! Click here to download free to your mobile, tablet or desktop computer. The winner will be announced on Friday 24th February. Happy Valentines day! Will x

The Christie charity‏@TheChristie Thrilled to announce @willyoung headlining our charity ball hosted by @markchapman & sponsored by @BrooksMacdonald http://buff.ly/2lMCZAD The Christie Charity Ball Will Young to headline the Christie Charity Ball - 18 March 2017 The Christie Charity Ball is one of the North West’s most prestigious social events and this year Will Young is to headline the star-studded event. The singer will perform in the stunning newly refurbished ballroom at The Principal hotel in Manchester. The Christie Charity ball is being hosted by BBC Match of the Day 2 and 5 live Sport host, Mark Chapman. Emmerdale actress and new Key 103 presenter Gemma Atkinson will also be joining Will and Mark along with her soap co-stars Laura Norton Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa), Amy Walsh (Tracy) and Dominic Brunt (Paddy) who together form Emmerdale band Main Street, and will also be performing on the night. As well as a night of glamour, fine dining and top class entertainment, guests will also have the opportunity to take part in an auction to win amazing money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive prizes donated by supporters of the charity. There are still a small number of tickets available for the ball. Secure your place now by calling 0161 446 3988 or by emailing specialevents@christies.org.

I'm hoping he ventures further north munchkin. :) Think he's had these jazz gigs in the pipeline since he released the ep.

Cheltenham Rocks‏@CheltenhamRocks Great #cheltjazzfest line-up including Jack Savoretti, Will Young, Paul Carrack, Mica Paris + Laura Mvula. WOW. http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/whats-on/grid …

Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho January 12th. Pizza Express Jazz Club Birmingham January 13th &14th. Christie Charity Ball Manchester March 18th Cheltenham Jazz Festival April 28th. Hay Festival May 31st. Mighty Hoopla June 4th Victoria Park Hampton Court Palace June 14th Latitude Festival July 14th - 16th I Feel Love LGBT 50 Hull July 29th Wilderness Festival August 6th.

Hoping this is the first of many summer announcements.

Thanks munchkin. The original and the best. :wub: Here's the YouTube clip Will posted of the winning moment. sUIElKA3nwA

WILL YOUNG 'JAZZ SESSIONS' Event 5 • Wednesday 31 May 2017, 9.30pm • Venue: Tata Tent Will Young 'Jazz Sessions' Following on from the release of Summer Covers, an eclectic mix of fan-favorite jazz covers, Will Young returns to the stage with his incredibly talented band for a rare performance. Alongside some classic jazz standards, he will also perform new adaptations. Also, expect an abundance of funny stories and charming commentary throughout! Will Young is one of the most well-known and recognizable figures in British contemporary music. Since 2002, his career has encompassed multi-platinum albums and sell-out live tours. Beyond popular music, Will has always had a strong passion for jazz. Off the back of his recent fourth UK No.1 album ’85 Proof’, and its accompanying Love Revolution tour, Will released his most recent EP entitled ‘Summer Covers’ - a euphoric, eclectic mix of fan-favourite covers recorded live in Dean Street Studios with the same band line-up from his jazz residency at the legendary British jazz venue the 606 Club, in 2010. Will’s shows at Pizza Express represent the next in a rare series of jazz shows, set in unique and intimate venues, following on from two sold-out jazz shows at the 606 Club. Alongside some classic jazz standards, he will also perform new adaptations. Also, expect an abundance of funny stories and charming commentary throughout! https://www.hayfestival.com/p-11621-will-yo...z-sessions.aspx

Thanks munchkin. I tried but couldn't copy the picture over. :D

In Swindon.

http://www.expressandstar.com/wpmvc/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/will3.jpg http://www.expressandstar.com/wpmvc/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/will.jpg

Before and after last night.

Thanks for bringing over the photos Bumbling. Hard to put into words how wonderful last night was so I'll just let this review do the talking.

Thanks to Sadie. There is a nice little piece in the Sunday Times Culture magazine today. Its under Pop in The Best of What's On This Week WILL YOUNG It's now 15 years since Young won Pop Idol, and what hasn't he done since? Pop, acting, musicals, those unfortunate few weeks on Strictly... Next he gets all jazzy at Pizza Express, which in fairness has form with the genre. Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho London W1, Thu Pizza Express Live, Birmingham, Fri,Sat

Looking forward to hear what he comes back with. He's grown on me and find him a versatile artist. Admire him for releasing outside the 4th quarter, not that he needs to.

Posted on Soi's FB page. https://www.facebook.com/SoiDogPageInEnglish/ Soi Dog Foundation Yesterday at 06:27 · Heartfelt thanks to the over one thousand Soi Dog supporters and volunteers who attended the Christmas carol concert at Chester Cathedral in aid of Soi Dog Foundation! Special thanks to UK music artist Will Young and Victoria Stilwell, one of the world's most respected dog trainers, for their participation! Special mention and thanks goes to Paola Tonussi, adopter of dog meat trade survivor Boonrod, for having made the trip all the way from Italy! Merry Christmas to you all and thank you for your support!

Oly Murs has had huge tv promo too plus multiple singing slots on radio 1 and radio 2.

Will YoungVerified account‏@willyoung Cabaret was just so much fun! #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

14th now showing sold out too.

Exactly. I really dislike the fame hungry Beckhams.