Pop icon Billy Ocean has teamed up with the Young Voices Choir to release a new and uplifting recording of the Bill Withers’ classic ‘Lovely Day’. Also featured on the track are award-winning broadcaster and musician YolanDa Brown (saxophone) and The Voice UK 2018 winner (and former Young Voices singer) Ruti Olajugbagbe. Released on January 26th by Magic Star (the home of children’s and family entertainment at Sony Music UK), all UK profits will go to children’s mental health charity Place2Be.
“We have all been affected in different ways over this difficult last year, and many children have really struggled. I’m so happy to be able to join with Young Voices to help make a difference and to raise funds for children’s mental health with this wonderful and hopeful song,” – Billy Ocean
“I am delighted that the single ‘Lovely Day’ will be released on Tuesday 26th January with profits going to Place2Be (our charity partner) whom, like Young Voices, have 25 years’ worth of experience, working with young people. With school life currently disrupted, this highlights the need, more than ever, to support children’s mental health.” Ben Lewis, CEO Young Voices
Place2Be launched the first ever Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. Place2Be’s school-based teams estimate that 85% of the young people they support have been negatively affected by the pandemic, and have seen an increase in referrals around self-harm and suicidal thoughts in secondary schools. 1 in 6 children and young people have a probable mental health condition (Source: NHS Digital)
“The past year has been incredibly challenging and with so many adjusting to home schooling again, many children and families will be feeling the extra pressure. At this time, support for children’s mental health is more important than ever. We’re so grateful that Sony and Young Voices are supporting Place2Be this Children’s Mental Health Week. The charity single will not only raise vital funds to support our work with schools around the country but will hopefully be an uplifting and positive anthem for the nation at a time when we all really need it.” – Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be
