Please enable JavaScript for this site to run correctly.

Rise Higher: songs of hope promoting good mental health


Highfield Campus



Building: 42 | SUSU

Room: Level 2, Below Deck

Date and Time (UK time):
15/03/2025 12:00-12:30
15/03/2025 14:00-14:30
15/03/2025 13:00-13:30
Age suitable for:
  • All ages


Accessibility alert:
  • Loud sounds
  • Potentially upsetting content
  • BSL Interpreter
Visit:  



Hidden Gems Hampshire is a group of diverse individuals from Southampton and the New Forest.

They came together with poetry, songwriting and musical talent; donating their time and talents for free, to create a song of hope to promote good mental health called "Rise Higher".

The lyricist Stevina Southwell spent a month in ICU after getting Covid in 2020. As part of her recovery she wrote an award winning poem called "Surviving Rejection" This was the catalyst behind this community project. The song was officially launched at Southampton General Hospital on World Mental Health Day 10th October 2024.

Hidden Gems were also featured on ITV Meridian. This is a free gift as the premise behind "Rise Higher" is to touch many lives and have an anthem for good Mental Health.

We are exciting to bring you 3 performances throughout the day, not only of Rise Higher but of other songs, poetry, stories of overcoming and how the arts can support good mental health.

As well as live performances of Rise Higher, you will also hear additional material from the following artists and groups during each performance...

12.00-12.30pm performance:
* Stevina Southwell, Poet from Southampton
* Hyper Rae (aka Hype n Hood), Rap Artist from Southampton
* Fragile Lucy, Vocalist/Songwriter/Ukulele Specialist from Southampton
* Mark Carter, Radio Presenter from Southampton

1.00-1.30pm performance:
* Mark Carter, Radio Presenter from Southampton
* Cynthia Wilson & The Friday Girls' Choir from the New Forest
* Ophelia Watson from Southampton NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare
* Matt O'Donnell from Untapped Talent Music Studio Southampton
* Stevina Southwell, Poet from Southampton

2.00-2.30pm performance:
* Stevina Southwell (Poet) and Mark Carter (Radio Presenter) from Southampton
* Mr Buoyant Afrobeats/Amapiano Artist from Southampton
* Cynthia Wilson & The Friday Girls' Choir from the New Forest
* Stevina Southwell, Poet from Southampton