A Wirral-based rapper is giving away free copies of his new album, which focuses on mental health problems and the recent rise in suicides.

UK Craigie has grown in popularity recently due to the positive messages he shares through his lyrics during what are difficult times for many.

His new album, Keep The Faith, is now available to download for free as he looks to inspire people, with 100,000 copies being downloaded within four days of the album's release.

UK Craigie, who is originally from Oldham but is now based in the Wirral, said: "The struggle continues for many people, who are still feeling the effects of Covid and are under even more pressure with the cost-of-living crisis, Brexit and other societal pressures.

"My new album aims to support people through this and I’ve made a conscious decision to offer a number of copies for free as I appreciate finances are tight for a lot of people right now."

Keep The Faith is UK Craigie's fourth studio album and the title is both to encourage people to stay strong during difficult times and is also a nod to Oldham Athletic, his boyhood football club.

Songs on the album include Someday, which is about someone who has fallen on hard times but refuses to give in, Senzu, which takes about becoming your own superhero, and Just Breathe, which discusses mental health battles.

UK Craigie is also planning to create a new podcast, called Music for Mental Health Radio, which will invite other rappers to come on and open up about their struggles and journeys.

He is also working on a project called Rap For Mental Health where he will be teaching song writing and expressing oneself through music to young people.

UK Craigie said: "Music is an important tool when it comes to mental health and wellbeing — whether that be listening to it or expressing yourself through it."

Keep The Faith is available for free download on the rapper's website, www.ukcraigie.com.