Trevs’ jazz band, The Manglers, held their annual charity gig on Saturday 14th March. It was a meaningful night of music and fun, with £556 raised for Mind, a charity championing mental health campaigns in the UK and providing essential resources for those struggling with mental health. HEX reached out to Oli Matthews, President of The Manglers, to learn more about their fundraising efforts during his final year of leading the band. 

Oli remarked that The Manglers charity gig “has always been a big event in the Trevs calendar” that “attracted alumni and local people to Durham to watch”, and this proved to be true on Saturday. Accompanying the performance was the charity raffle comprised of prizes donated by local businesses, which helped to make the event so successful in supporting Mind. The Manglers were able to raise £505 for the charity through raffle tickets and an additional £51 in cash, earning £56 more than last year. 

We would like to highlight their work and contribute in any way we can

All proceeds went to Mind, which according to Oli, was selected under the consideration that “mental health is a cause that resonates with many of our members and the wider student community”. He stated that “[The Manglers] would like to highlight their work and contribute in any way [they] can”, an admirable attitude that speaks to the vital work that Mind undertakes.

The charity offers life-saving support by answering 116,000 queries yearly and providing expert information on mental health that is accessed 22 million times per year. Their network of almost 100 local Minds supports local communities by means of counselling services, crisis helplines, advocacy, and more; Mind works both locally and nationally to mitigate mental health crises. 

The fundraising event invited reflection for Oli not only on this front but also the “bittersweet moment” of the gig being “[his] last” as a soon-to-be graduate. He commented that “leading the band has been such a privilege” and that he was “glad” to have created “a positive, inclusive atmosphere where anyone can have a go at playing music”. Even within The Manglers, the theme of fostering caring environments that prioritise mental health continues. 

I’m glad to have created a positive, inclusive atmosphere where anyone can have a go at playing music

Oli only had positive things to mention about his experience with The Manglers and the charity gig, stating: 

“I’d like to thank every single Mangler for making my life in Durham amazing. My exec, for supporting me in running the society and my jazz parents: Rowan and Rosie for adopting me as their own messed up jazz child!”

His confidence in the band’s future executive committee shines through in his desire that they simply “carry with the pace they have”. Although he told HEX that he was “not too fussed about a legacy being left”, it seems that The Manglers has built an incredibly important mission in their charitable endeavours, cementing their place as an integral part of Trevs. 

Image: Dan Wattis