Project 365 - Mental Health Awareness

About Project 365

Like many great ideas, Project 365 was born of necessity. As a community, we all have a connection to mental health and the challenges that it presents. Whether that be ourselves, family, friends, colleagues and even the connections we might not see, periods of mental ill-health affect us all.

Project 365 is the brainchild of Peter Rourke, who had an early morning epiphany in 2021, forming a desire to do something to make a difference for the community and to raise funds for mental health support. However, after taking some time away from music, he needed a band! He had a name – U Can Cry – and a network of local musicians to call on. All he had to do was ask…no one hesitated. Everyone knew the importance of this project.

365 days to put together a band, learn 30-odd songs, build a show, and send a message to the community that talking about mental health is the first and most important step to becoming stronger and more resilient. Importantly; “It’s okay, U Can Cry…we’ve got you”. As the boxes were ticked, numerous supporters have come on board. You’ll see them listed and mentioned throughout our website and through our shows. Without them Project 365 would not be what it is. To have those around us saying “What can I do to help?” has been one of the most humbling parts of this project.

Since this initial run of shows, Project 365 has formed a board of management, added new members to U Can Cry, built a larger network throughout the community and extending its reach to drive the message that “It’s okay, to not be okay”, and sparking conversations around mental health.