Popular Glasgow rapper Calum Barnes penned an emotional spoken word piece for a national mental health charity last Christmas, it has been revealed, in which he urged people to speak out about their problems.

The Evening Times exclusively reported on Wednesday how Calum - who was a leading figure of the Scottish hip-hop scene and member of the group Deadsoundz Inc - died aged just 21.

His family believes his body may be in the River Clyde which has yet to be retrieved.

Now, though, the hard-hitting poem he wrote for See Me Scotland’s It’s Okay campaign has, once again, started to gain traction.

The campaign was launched to support young people through worries, feelings and the stresses of everyday life, carrying the message: “It’s okay not to be okay. But it’s also okay to ask for help.”

In his poem, Calum - who also went by the names Lumo, Lumanes, Mohsen Khalid Barnes, and Mohsen Khalid al-Faruq - acknowledges how the festive season is a difficult time for many.

READ MORE: Scotland's music scene in mourning as Glasgow hip-hop star dies aged 21

He says: “Life - it’s been a cycle full of constant surprises.

“We are born into this world in all colours and sizes. Pushed through education just to open our eyes, it’s a challenge we just battle through our different disguises.

“Silent, never open, we keep emotions bottled up. If we feel the darkness coming, we just let it swallow us.

“If you ever feel alone in such a decadent society, trust me it’s a city that won’t ever see sobriety.

“We all have problems, we just need a way to deal with them. Some are more than others, though, some are not revealing them.

“We just want to help you, we can get to the problem. We just want a better you, plus a healthier Scotland.”

Ending on a more emotional note, he rounds off: “It’s okay to feel depressed, it’s okay to feel alone, it’s okay to have a problem with your family at home.

“It’s okay to feel different, it’s okay to shed a tear, it’s okay - trust me - because we are always here.”

Listen to Calum read his poem:

Writing on his Facebook page just six weeks ago, Calum described how the past two years of his life had been “full of ups and downs,” and added: “A spiritual journey, people worrying about me, failed relationships, loss of friends and alcohol fuelled-benders that didn’t stop. I totally lost myself and lost all touch of who I was as an artist too.

“With all that, I was so unsure about everything I was doing, I’ve been in and out of jobs, trying different things just trying to see what would stick but, the fact is, I was hardly ever sober or focused enough to know what I wanted to be. I went through some of the worst experiences ever.

“Recently, the drink has been put down and my life has been slowly pieced back together - I’m happy to say that I’m finally happy.

“I’m finally back to me and it feels so good. I have to thank everyone who put up with me getting through what has been the worst time of my life, now I have to give back, for everything.”

The Evening Times previously reported how emergency services scrambled to the River Clyde near the Clyde Arc Bridge - known locally as the Squinty Bridge - just after 11pm on Sunday after reports of a man in the water.

READ MORE: River Clyde searched after reports of man in water before midnight

An extensive search was carried out, but no discovery was made.

It is understood the marine unit is still carrying out searches in the water.

Police Scotland confirmed today its enquiries into the incident are still continuing.

Yesterday, Calum’s sister Jenn expressed her gratitude to all who have been coming forward with their messages of support.

She said: “Thank you to every single person who has messaged, I’m completely overwhelmed and the love that people have shown for Calum has been incredible.

“Also my mum, dad and me would like to thank Strathclyde Police and the search and rescue teams. Currently, we still have no news but, once we do, I will let all his friends know.”

A fundraiser set up in honour of the rapper has, so far, raised almost £600.

If you or someone you know is having a difficult time, please don’t suffer alone. Click here to be taken to the See Me Scotland site for information and advice on help available.