A musician from Maidstone determined to raise awareness around male domestic abuse has used his talents to compose a charity single.

Clive Lever from King Edward Road, spent his time in lockdown recording 'You're Not Alone' with the hope of raising as much money as possible for ManKind, an organisation he feels passionately about.

The 65-year-old said: "When I was in a band in the 80s I started writing a few songs and this one was originally a love song called 'Don't Cry Alone'.

"It wasn't until recently I decided I wanted to use the song to benefit other people so I rewrote it as something to give hope and to encourage those who may be victims of domestic abuse to come forward.

"Male victims are too often forgotten. I want to give those men hope, especially as so many during lockdown will have suffered behind their front doors and not knowing who to turn to and how to escape. Men can and do escape from domestic abuse and this is the message I hope this song helps them hear."

The latest statistics show one in four women, and one in six men will suffer from domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Working with his former bandmate, Bud Martin, the pair got to work on the revised track over the internet on May 1. By the end of the month they were putting together the finishing touches.

So far Mr Lever, an honorary patron of ManKind, has raised £580 which will fund the charity's vital work recognising male and female victims alike.

The charity, registered in 2001, was the first in Britain to support male victims of domestic abuse and has since campaigned to ensure support is available from other organisations and that they and their children can escape difficult situations.

Chair of the ManKind Initiative, Mark Brooks from Dartford , said: “Clive’s song is a real inspiration. It gives a clear message to men that they are not alone and importantly they can reach out for help and leave. Any money raised because of this song will be used to continue to fund our helpline which solely relies on donations from the public.”

To hear Mr Lever's song and donate, click here,

To find out more about ManKind, click here.

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