Inspired by the words of a 10-year old girl, members of the business networking group, CAP Business Clubs got together to write and produce a charity single for Toucan for Children, titled 'Together we can find a way.’ The aim of the song is to help raise vital funds so the charity can help more children that are in need of mental health support or who are suffering with emotional difficulties in their lives.
The girl, who attended play therapy sessions at Toucan for Children in Gloucestershire, wrote the song on completion of her therapy. Asked to write about a song that meant something to her at school, she chose to write about Rachel Platen’s Fight Song.
This is my fight song. Take back my life song. Prove I'm alright song. My powers turned on, starting right now I'll be strong, I'll play my fight song. And I don't really care if nobody else believes because I've still got a lot of fight left in me. ("Fight Song" recorded by American singer and songwriter Rachel Platten, released as a single by Columbia Records on February 19, 2015)
She felt this song was about being strong and not worrying too much of what others think of you and when times get hard if you stay strong you can get through anything.
She wrote...
"This can help you get through anything as it reassures you that you are not alone and if you talk about it to someone you are really close to, you can get through it together. That special person can give you the courage, determination and support that you may need to help you get through it.
When times get hard don’t go and hide, show that you can get through this and become a stronger person at the end of the journey. You can show the person that maybe has put you down that you are not going to let what they said get to you that much and come back stronger than ever. Even though what they say does hurt don’t let your emotions get the best of you and show them a new side of you."
These words inspired the Toucan song and volunteers collaborated to write the lyrics, play instruments, sing, record and produce the song.
Toucan for children is reaching its 10th year and was started by Janice and Angie. Together Janice and Angie have over 40 years of experience working with children and families. During their careers they recognised that many children did not receive the appropriate emotional or mental health support when it was needed. So, they decided to re-train as play therapists and in 2010 set up Toucan to try to make a difference for those children. In the past 10 years Toucan has helped nearly 500 children.
Based in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, Toucan for Children provides a therapeutic service to improve vulnerable children’s mental health and wellbeing through play and creative arts. Supporting young people between 4 and 13 years old who are suffering, or at risk of suffering, mental health difficulties. With three therapeutic playrooms and also through doing outreach work in schools.
Mental health problems affect 1 in 8 children and young people. This can result in depression, anxiety and conduct disorder and is often a response to what is happening in their lives. Early signs of emotional difficulties in children include: underachieving at school, behavioural problems, struggling with friendships, or becoming withdrawn or angry. It is vital children receive help at this early stage to get their emotions back into balance. Otherwise, their problems are likely to get worse as they get older.
Toucans therapists offer children a safe place to explore and work through whatever is causing upset and difficulties in their lives. By looking after children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health we see long-lasting benefits, which can help prevent issues in later life.
The demand for this type of service is increasing and like so many other charities the service is at risk of closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic just when it is probably needed the most.
Although the government invests in children’s mental health, making sure funding gets to where it is needed most is difficult. Many children simply do not get the help and support they so badly need.
The team at Toucan are proud of what has been achieved so far, providing therapy that has positively impacted thousands of lives. But there is so much more to be done and so many more children who need this kind of service, especially in these challenging times.
By buying a copy of this inspirational song, you can help support children’s mental health.