Ian Hinksman
Today is officially World Mental Health Day, and to help raise awareness, we’ve teamed up with The Council of Bens for an eye-opening interview.
What originally started out as a laugh between a few friends (Bens) to organize as many people named Ben as possible at Boomtown 2023, has quickly turned into a movement focused on mental health. Or as they call it, Bental Health.
“The post Boomtown, energy from that first meet-up didn’t stop. We created a WhatsApp community to stay connected and meet up at other events. It was more than just a fun thing to do, there was this natural sense of community and support that we all wanted to keep growing. From there, things really took off, and it wasn’t long before we realized we could do more for the rave scene.”
Spreading positivity with The Council of Bens
With roots firmly in the rave scene, The Council of Bens intend to do all they can to have a positive effect on the community that brought them together. This has already included hosting their own high benergy events to the launching of a mental health dedicated page “Bental Health.”
“The Ben chat started out as a group of ravers, but now it’s developed into a community where mental health discussions are as commonplace as swapping tracks.”
So, what sets this initiative apart from others in the mental health space? It’s their focus on positive mental health within the rave community.
“We know the unique highs and lows that ravers face because we’re part of that world.” The Council of Bens understands the importance of creating environments where mental health conversations can happen naturally, without any awkwardness, judgment or the feeling of it being clinical. It’s having to be authentic with a connection to the music and the shared experiences that bring us all together.
Not just for the Bens
And if your name isn’t Ben? In the words of PR Ben:
“We aren’t limited by prefixes and names, a name is simply a noise you make to get somebody’s attention, and it’s benergy that brings us all together”. This is found within all Bens and ravers, benergy is the inherent community spirit and the love for all the aspects that makes up the rave scene.
Challenging the stigma with The Council of Bens
Their platform is, and always will be, by ravers, for ravers, and that gives them a unique way to connect with people who might feel like mental health is a hard subject to talk about in the nightlife world.
They approach it by breaking down the walls, taking away the serious, clinical vibe and making it natural to talk about mental health issues in the spaces that we all love, the raves, festivals, and parties.
“When you’re in an environment where you feel free, surrounded by people who understand you, it’s easier to be real. We use music and community as the bridge to open those conversations.”
Bro lets Climb Ben Nevis and throw a rave
The events that The Council of Bens organize can be frequently tracked back to messages meant to be as a joke, “Imagine throwing a rave up Ben Nevis” which is a perfect example of this. Every time someone joined The Council of Bens chat, they had the opportunity to vote on one of the following, Scaling Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK) or alternatively visiting and raving in the shadow of Big Ben.
“In the space of a year we have completed two of these, so our eyes are set on the Mediterranean next.” They want to take their Benpire international by flying to Benidorm (hey Ryanair, need some good PR?).
Side note to the Bens: Consider this article as your invite to party with us in Malta: we can start at Ta Fra’ Ben.
Not your usual equipment to climb a mountain
Back to scaling Ben Nevis. So, aside from the normal gear you need to trek up a mountain with, The Council of Bens also had to consider how to throw a rave once they had gotten the peak. The gear they took is a DDJ-400 controller plugged into a laptop. It had a small portable second screen linked to for Reckordbox and all of this housed in a bag which sat around the back of the DJs neck.
For the audio they say that they are very fortunate to have gained a “strong working relationship with the team at minirig,” who provided with their setup which was 4x Minirig 4s and 1x Minirig Subwoofer.
Future mental health, support services and programs
“We want to replicate the space we have created with the Council of Bens, allowing others to feel a sense of community and support whilst also looking out for each other.”
As The Council grows, they’re planning to offer a range of mental health and support services that blend their love for rave culture with practical, impactful help. This could include peer support programs, where you can connect with others who’ve been through similar struggles, as well as workshops and talks led by mental health professionals at their pop up and static events.
The support you need
“We’re also exploring options for digital support—things like online chats, mental health toolkits, and even live streams where we talk openly about mental health while sharing music.”
Long-term, they’re aiming to build partnerships with mental health organizations and charities, so they can connect the community with professional help when they need it most. Whether it’s in person at a rave or online in your own space, The Council of Bens want to make sure you have the support you need.
How will The Council of Bens ensure that their services are accessible
“We aim to break down barriers, whether that’s financial, social, or digital. For example, our support is free through online channels like WhatsApp and other social media channels, meaning no one is priced out. We aim to make Bental Health accessible by keeping their platform informal, open, and welcoming, ensuring nobody is left without support.”
Success stories and powerful impacts
Every day when they go into the Bental Health chat they are moved by the sheer love and support being offered there. “For essentially what is a group chat full of blokes who don’t know each other, the level of compassion and respect is beautiful to see.”
From sharing nutrition advice to tips on sobriety to advice on how to get assessed for ADHD, the varied life experience they have in there has led to countless Bens getting the help they need. “As soon as a Ben says they are going through it or explains a situation they are dealing with, they instantly get a minimum of five other Bens who are there for them, even if it’s 2AM.”
Partnering with mental health charities
As The Council of Bens continue to develop and grow the Bental Health they will be looking to partner with other more established mental health charities and progressive organizations within the rave space.
“From our inception, one key Ben we would love to have involved has been Loyle Carner. His work championing those on the neurodiverse spectrum, specifically people with ADHD, and the way in which he conducts himself is exactly what we represent at The Council and he is a shining example of what it means to be a Ben.”
Seeking public funds
PR Ben explains “We are exploring various funding opportunities to help us grow sustainably. We’re looking into public funds, grants, and as mentioned above partnerships, with mental health organizations and brands that share our vision.”
Their plan includes scaling up their events and online presence, while also providing more structured support services, workshops, and collaborations to reach as many people as possible.
The conversation around mental health in recent years
The mental health conversation has opened up significantly, and social media has played a huge role in normalizing discussions about the subject. In particular, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have allowed people to share their experiences more openly, breaking down some of the stigma. Pop culture, especially music and art, has also embraced mental health, with more artists and influencers speaking up about their struggles.
“This shift aligns with what we’re doing at Bental Health—making mental health discussions a part of everyday life and rave culture.”
How do the Council of Bens deal mental health issues among the team
“We practice what we preach. We make sure that our team knows they can take time off when needed and encourage open dialogue about how everyone is feeling. We’re all about peer support, whether it’s through checking in with each other or taking time to decompress after an event. We prioritize mental well-being, and that includes making sure our core team has the space to recharge”.
The role of music and youth in mental health support
The council of Bens are all about the rave, so they actively engage with young people through their presence at festivals, on social media, and in other nightlife spaces. By integrating mental health awareness into rave culture, they connect with them in environments where they feel most comfortable.
Whether it’s through a DJ set, mental health discussions at a festival, or through social media campaigns, they make sure that their messaging resonates with young people in a way that’s authentic to their lifestyle.
“We also partner with artists and influencers who share our message, making mental health awareness a natural part of the rave scene.”
Advice for young people from Council of Bens
It’s not easy to ask for help, especially as a young adult finding their space in the world and PR Ben says “it will get better, you’re not alone, and that’s the most important thing to remember.”
“A lot of us have been where you are, feeling unsure or hesitant to open up, but the truth is, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don’t have to take on everything by yourself, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Start small—talk to a mate you trust, drop a message in a supportive group, or come to one of our events. Just know that when you’re ready there are people who love and will support you.”
Future events from The Council
Currently they are in the process of planning a series of mental health-themed raves and events across key cities in the UK. These events will blend their love of music with workshops, talks, and activities centered around, you guessed it, mental health. Soon you can also expect social media campaigns to encourage more people to join the conversation.
Get in touch with the Council of Bens
It’s easy for people to reach out. You can join the Bental Health group chat, follow them on social media, or message them directly on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. They also encourage anyone in need of professional support to check out the resources with which they have already partnered. And if you want to connect in person, you can join them at one of their upcoming events.
Support and contribute to The Council of Bens
The best way to support the cause is to be more Ben, from checking up on old friends to complimenting strangers. “To be a Ben is to spread positivity.” You can also help them spread the word on social media or donate directly to support their upcoming initiatives. Every bit of support counts, whether it’s engaging with content, sharing a post, or showing up for someone who needs a hand.
