TWO brothers from the South Hams have organised a sold out gig at Wembley Arena, raising funds for a perinatal mental health charity.

Jono and James Grant grew up in South Brent and are now based in London. Jono is one third of the internationally renowned British dance act Above & Beyond and his brother James is the band’s manager.

Earlier this year, Jono and James Grant lost their sister Charlotte suddenly and unexpectedly. Charlotte was a well-respected member of the Perinatal Mental Health Service, provided across Devon and Torbay by Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

Aware of Charlotte’s dedication to the mothers, babies and families that she helped over the years, Jono, James and the rest of Charlotte’s family decided to set up the Little Something charitable fund - named after the Above & Beyond song of the same title - to continue her commitment to the development of the service and to women who will require the service in the future.

To celebrate Charlotte’s life, increase awareness of perinatal mental health issues and raise money for the Little Something fund, Above & Beyond will play a special concert at Wembley Arena on Friday, November 13, with the show already sold out.

Jono Grant commented: ‘Post-natal depression is often misunderstood, as it takes hold at what is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman’s life. Charlotte was passionate about de-stigmatising the condition and helping mothers be the best they could be.’

He added: ‘We’ve called the charity Little Something because Charlotte felt the lyrics captured the essence of her work and the experience women describe with post-natal illness.’

The Little Something fund is managed by Devon Partnership NHS Trust – which provides mental health and learning disability services across Devon and the wider South West. The Perinatal Mental Health Service is dedicated to working with pregnant women and new mothers who are worried about their emotional or mental wellbeing.

Women can experience mental health issues during and around pregnancy which can be worrying for both them and their extended family. The specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service, and others like it across the UK, have dedicated teams of professionals who help pregnant women and new mothers manage and improve their experience of early motherhood so that their illness impacts less on them and the bonding of their family unit.

Dr Jo Black, consultant perinatal psychiatrist said: ‘This is an incredibly valuable service. For many women, pregnancy is a period of excited expectation and good mental wellbeing, but for a significant number it is not. Expectant mums can feel guilty, ashamed and embarrassed by feeling low at this time in their life. In many cases, the ability to discuss these feelings and receive reassurance and support can be enough to turn things around without the need for any mental health intervention.’

Dr Black continued: ‘In some cases however, problems can be severe and may even pose a risk to the wellbeing of both mother and child. Our perinatal service aims to identify potential mental health problems as early as possible and provide rapid assessment, support and access to appropriate treatment.

‘Some of the women we are supporting have a history of mental illness, but others are displaying symptoms for the first time. We work very closely with our maternity service colleagues and have Perinatal Mental Health Practitioners working alongside Specialist Midwives.’

Dr Black added: ‘It is hoped that through the generosity of Above & Beyond, and Charlotte’s Little Something fund, we can raise awareness of the importance of perinatal mental health, not just nationally, but globally and highlight the importance of providing thoughtful and comprehensive mental health care to new mums so that they and their children can get off to the best possible start.’

To donate money to the Little Something fund, visit www.justgiving.com/DevonPartnership-CharlottesFund.