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UK Charity Music Support Addresses Increase In Mental Health Problems
Music Support, the UK charity helping those who work in the music industry overcome mental health issues, and substance use (two things closely interlinked), launched new strategy to meet the increased demand for its services.
Music Support experienced a 51% increase in helpline calls year-on-year. By its own admission, “the charity has directly impacted at least 1,000 people from the UK music industry in the last year across their core services.”
Music Support launched surveys at various events across the summer. The feedback from both those on stage and behind the scenes, shows an increase across the board in challenges peers face surrounding substance use and mental health.
This includes, 26% of respondents saying they have experienced drug and/or alcohol problems in the last 12 months (up from 19% in 2023), 49% saying they had experienced mental health problems (up from 40%) and 21% having had suicidal thoughts (up from 18%).
Music Support’s team members have experienced these kinds of issues firsthand, or are at least closely connected to the issues addressed by the organization. Hence why people in need of help feel heard.
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When referring to the impact the charity has had on their life, an anonymous Music Support beneficiary commented, “After promoting and scouting in the industry for many years, it had weathered me, and the environment for me became unmanageable. I spoke to Music Support in January 2023 and, since then, they have given me amazing support. I have struggled greatly with cocaine and alcohol in recent years and the advice given, and regular phone calls gave me the confidence to go to rehab. I feel the best I have done in years, refreshed and ready to fully immerse myself in music again, but without the devil on my shoulder. I cannot recommend how life affirming and changing this experience has been, and it would not have happened without Music Support.”
Music Support’s new strategy is a “response to the worrying increase in demand for its essential services over the past year.”
The charity expanded and enhanced its offering to ensure “comprehensive, targeted support at every stage of an individual’s journey in the music industry.
“From proactive, educational resources for those just starting out, to life-saving crisis interventions for those facing urgent challenges around substance use and mental health, Music Support’s cutting-edge services are designed to meet the specific and evolving needs of the industry. The charity’s new strategy will deliver an unparalleled support package, empowering music professionals to thrive, no matter the challenges they face.”
All of Music Support’s work is centered around each individual, offering a safe space to connect and receive specialist help, confidentially and without judgement.
Music Support is entirely dependent on external funding to continue its vital work.
With all of this in mind, the charity has launched a new awareness campaign at London’s Curzon Soho cinema, Oct. 8, inviting friends, partners and beneficiaries.
The campaign is led by a film, made in partnership with The Global Entertainment Marketing Academy of Arts & Sciences (G.E.M.A) and BBC Creative, with voiceover from Busted star Matt Willis – a long-time mental health advocate and supporter of the charity’s crucial efforts.
Titled “Without You, There Is No Music,” the film and wider campaign aims to shine a light on the charity’s work, raising awareness of the services and resources it provides.
As well as its core services, the organization also provides professional training in mental health first aid, and addiction and recovery awareness, as well as hosting webinars and interviews around these important topics.
Music Support has been providing so-called Safe Hubs backstage at UK festivals since 2016 (it’s where the aforementioned surveys were conducted). The Hubs are spaces where anyone working at participating festivals, from artist to crew, can speak to a Mental Health First Aid trained peer.
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Music Support CEO Joe Hastings commented, “Whilst the increase in demand for our services is a concern, we are also encouraged that stigmas around mental health and problematic substance use are breaking down and people are more willing to reach out for help. We rely on funds to continue our vital work and are incredibly thankful to all those who support us.”
Music Support co-founder Matt Thomas added, “We were very grateful to be chosen by G.E.M.A as their charity challenge partner and blown away by the quantity and quality of responses to the brief. It has been an amazing experience to work with the fantastic team at BBC Creative to bring their vision to life. ‘Without You, There Is No Music’ tells the story of how the music industry would not exist without all of the individuals who work tirelessly both on stage and behind the scenes, and so we must look after them. Our small but mighty team is dedicated to championing the wellbeing of our industry peers.”
Matt Willis said, “I was honored when Music Support asked me to provide the voiceover for this important film. I know all too well the highs and lows of working in the music industry and the ripple effect of poor mental health and addiction on both the affected individual AND their family and friends. From answering crisis Helpline calls to providing essential training to empower individuals to look after the wellbeing of their colleagues (and themselves in the process), the Music Support team are literally saving people’s lives on a daily basis. I’m proud to support them.”