A BRADFORD man who has faced mental health issues in the past is hosting a night of music this month, to raise money for mental health charity Mind.

Lee Niblock, from Crossflatts, will DJ at The Brick Box on Ivegate, on Saturday 21 March, with all proceeds raised going to Mind.

Lee, 45, will play funk, soul and reggae music on the night, which is titled 'Counterculture', and will run from 7pm to 11pm.

He says that Counterculture is not aimed at any particular demographic, and he wants to reach "Anyone who is willing to listen."

"This isn't a club night, it's more just a bit of good fun to raise money for a good cause", said Lee, who DJs under the name Nibb_e.

Entry to the event is free of charge, but people are encouraged to make donations, which will benefit the Mind charity.

"I'll be running around with a bucket, for people to make donations to Mind, and I've also set up a JustGiving page.

"Fundraising is important but this night is not just about money - it's also about raising awareness of mental health issues.

"Personally, I've dealt with anxiety and depression from the age of 18. I want to do things like this to kill the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

"Music has helped me through - if you've had a bad day at work or something, you can put your headphones in and it chills you out and puts you in a better place.

"That's why I want to combine my love of music with this night at The Brick Box and raise money and awareness for Mind and for mental health.

"The fact that charities like Mind exist shows how much progress has been made. When I was younger, my doctor didn't even know what an anxiety disorder was - he just thought I had a stomach problem.

"I know people who are unaware that there are charities like this in Bradford. On the night, I'll be handing out leaflets and getting the awareness out there.

"But I think now, people are a lot more open about mental health and it's more known about, which is a good thing.

"Also, nights like this are becoming more common now and are happening at a small, organic level."

Lee was also keen to point out his admiration for The Brick Box, as well as for his city.

"There's a lot of cool bars and spaces in Bradford, but The Brick Box really has a lot more to it. It has a lot of art exhibitions and loads of different nights.

"Even if I wasn't DJ-ing at The Brick Box, I'd be going there anyway.

"It's a really good time for Bradford at the moment, with the City of Culture bid. It's nice that we're doing that and it's nice to feel like we're all a part of it."

Lee's JustGiving page - which, at the time of writing, has reached 46 per cent of its total target - can be found by searching 'Lee Niblock' on JustGiving.com.

Mind, founded in 1946 as the National Association for Mental Health, offers information and support in regards to mental illness.

Its Bradford base - known as Mind in Bradford - is based on Manor Row and hopes to provide a safe space for people to visit, during times of crisis.