Find Your Light, made with University of Chester students, reached 26 in the iTunes pop chart. Profits go to Chester crisis cafe Café71 and a Rhyl arts group.

A charity single made with music students at the University of Chester has been added to the BBC Radio Wales Welsh A-List. Its profits go to a Chester crisis cafe and a performing arts group in Rhyl, about 30 miles west along the North Wales coast.

The song, Find Your Light, was released on 10 October to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The university announced its chart run on 27 October.

How far it got

The university says the single has reached:

  • number 26 in the iTunes UK Pop chart
  • number 54 in the iTunes UK main chart
  • the BBC Radio Wales Welsh A-List, with a remix by producer CAM_S

CAM_S is a recent graduate of the university’s MA Popular Music course.

Who made it

The track was written and recorded with Work in Progress Rhyl, a community interest company. It runs an inclusive performing arts group for adults aged 18 and over, with mental health and wellbeing at the centre of its work. Singer-songwriter Jack Eagle is part of the group.

University music students and staff made the track, a remix package and the video with them, using the university’s recording and production facilities. The project is part of a university research study. It looks at whether writing songs, producing music and making films together changes how participants feel about their identity, confidence and belonging.

Jim Mason, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Music Production, said the team were “delighted that the CAM_S remix of Find Your Light has been added to this high-profile BBC playlist.”

Leslie Churchill Ward, Artistic Director of Work in Progress, said: “The experience of writing the song, recording it, shooting the music video, and everything in between, has been life-changing for our members.”

Where the money goes

All profits are split between Work in Progress and Café71, run by the Spider Project. Café71 is a non-clinical crisis space at 71-77 St Anne Street in Chester. Its own page says:

  • it is open 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year
  • it is for adults aged 18 and over who are distressed or in crisis
  • you can call 01244 393139 or email enquiries.chester@spiderproject.org.uk
  • relatives, carers and professionals can introduce someone
  • it cannot support people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

What it means for you

Buying or streaming the single puts money into a crisis service on the edge of the city centre. Find Your Light is on the iTunes Store, Amazon, Spotify and YouTube Music.

If you or someone you know needs help tonight, Café71 is open until 10pm every day of the year, including Christmas Day.