A new music movement built around mental health will launch in Walthamstow next month, with a live event at Big Penny Social on World Suicide Prevention Day, Thursday 10th September.

Listen Out was founded by Jon Salmon after the loss of his father to suicide and his own experience of mental illness. Live music played a part in his recovery, and years of working with charities showed him how "challenging" it can be to put on events and raise the funds that keep support going. He set up Listen Out to "bring together music, communities and purpose".

He describes it as "more than a live music event", calling it "the beginning of a movement that uses music to spark conversations, encourage people to seek support earlier, create opportunities for young people and strengthen communities".

The launch night will feature established and emerging artists. Award-winning rapper and mental health advocate Shocka, who has spoken openly about his own lived experience and is an ambassador for youth mental health charity Beyond, is among the first acts announced, alongside rising artist AnderSol, whose performance will support Black Minds Matter. DJ Jim Jamal will play a specially curated set across the evening, and more artists are to be announced in the coming weeks.

Alongside the music, charities and community organisations will be on hand with advice, information and support. Young people will also be able to find out about volunteering, mentoring, training and work experience routes into the creative industries.

"Going to gigs made me feel less alone and more hopeful after I had experienced really poor mental health," Jon said. "Music has an incredible ability to improve our mood, and bring us together.

"Listen Out is about creating those moments of connection. If someone leaves one of our events feeling more hopeful, more connected or more willing to ask for support, then we've achieved something truly meaningful."

Louisa Rose, chief executive of Beyond, said: "At Beyond, we know that music can be much more than entertainment. It can be a lifeline. It helps young people make sense of difficult feelings, find comfort in shared experiences and realise they're not alone.

"We're incredibly thankful that Listen Out has chosen to support Beyond and put mental health at the heart of this exciting new movement.

"To have our ambassador Shocka leading the line-up makes it even more special. His music and advocacy embody everything this partnership stands for: using creativity to spark conversation, challenge stigma and remind young people that support is always within reach."

Tickets are on sale now at www.ListenOut.org, with every ticket supporting the movement.