Professional singer Dean Ager, 47, and son Sidney Ager aged 11, from Lancing, West Sussex duetted and performed a charity song written by Dean whilst in lockdown.
The message of ‘Don’t Give Up Hope’ with the song having the same title, is aimed at raising awareness of people struggling alone with mental health of isolation, anxiety, and feeling there is no way out from their suffering. 

The video, available now on YouTube, was recorded at home with Dean playing the piano and harmonising with young son Sidney. Dean Ager commented, “It was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with my son Sidney - something we will always remember doing together and it’s such a worthy cause. I’m sure so many people are struggling at the moment and I hope it helps send the message that you’re not alone with these issues”.

Background - Dean has been a professional singer, performing for 25 years as a tribute to artists such as Sinatra, Elvis and Neil Diamond, and performing his own material in concerts and weddings throughout the UK. He started as a red coat in Butlins, Brighton, then worked up and down the country as an entertainer in various clubs before settling back in Sussex as a wedding, events, and party performer.

Since the Covid lockdown in March 2020, Dean has been hit hard with no work and like thousands of others had all of his shows cancelled.  Dean added, “I had no purpose or direction, for the first time in my life, and felt at a loss on how to provide for my family.  My mental health suffered and I just didn’t know how to seek help.”

Fortunately for Dean he lives at home with his supporting and loving wife Linda, along with their two boys, Sidney 11 who features on the track and Matthew 15. Matthew has learning difficulties with an extremely rare genetic disorder which leads to challenging behaviour.  Having to home school the boys during lockdown really compounded the anxiety and stress with what felt like no way out.

Mental Health Help - Dean, encouraged by his wife, spoke with his GP who referred him to an online NHS self-help counselling group ‘Time to Talk’. After several sessions Dean’s passion for music helped him through the dark times. He spoke to a Counsellor who helped him feel more confident about the future.
Dean recalls, “I turned a negative into a positive by teaming up with my son Sidney and writing an inspirational song with a strong message. I couldn’t have done that without the support of my family and the NHS, to whom I’ll always be grateful.”

The lyrics are quite powerful and emotive…..

Winter's come and gone, But the pain goes on and on.

It's lonely in the dark and so cold in your heart.

The song can be viewed on YouTube and donations can be made via www.justgiving/team/deanager

The national charities the donations go to are MIND and NHS Charities Together.

Also, two local charities which have supported the family too. 

Adur Special Needs Project who provide respite for parents and carers with a play scheme for children with special needs.