Atheer Al-Salim of Headstock talks partnering with Skiddle to conduct Mental Health Survey

Our latest mental health study, surveying organisers of club events, gigs and festivals, and those who manage venues across the UK, was launched back at the beginning of the month. To ensure news of the research project was spread as far and as wide as possible, and to help us establish a clear picture of the support needed nationwide, we enlisted the assistance of a long list of mental health charities, organisations and ambassadors. One of them being Manchester’s Headstock.

Headstock is a social enterprise founded by Atheer Al-Salim, the man behind Headstock Festival and the commissioning of projects such as the upcoming Kurt Cobain mural at Manchester venue, the Bread Shed. Providing more background on Headstock and it’s aims, Atheer said:

“Our goal is to create music-led solutions to tackle mental issues, whilst raising money and awareness for several mental health charities and causes.

We launched in October 2019 as a direct response to the disproportionate level of mental health issues across Greater Manchester and the North West of England. Through the power of music and shared experiences, we hope to change the conversation around mental health.

To date, we have supported the likes of Shout, Help Musicians and Manchester Mind to raise money and awareness, working with a wide array of artists including Brandon Flowers, Becky Hill, Faithless, James Bay, New Order and Nothing But Thieves.

We initially launched as a music and mental wellbeing festival in Manchester but our plans were severely curtailed as a result of the global pandemic. As a result, we officially relaunched in 2023 with a primary focus on supporting the mental health of people working within the music industry.”

To hear more about the work Headstock carries out and to understand why the enterprise chose to support our survey, continue reading.

How does Headstock utilise the funds generated from its initiatives to support the mental well-being of individuals within the music and events industry in Manchester?

“Over the past 12 months, we have fundraised exclusively for mental health charity, Shout and in February 2024, we partnered with the charity to launch MUSIC 85258, a mental health text support service exclusively targeted towards anyone working within the music industry. MUSIC 85258 is a free, confidential support service which is available 24/7. Whilst the text support service is available to people across the UK, a big focus in terms of our
comms and marketing efforts have centred on Manchester in the first instance.

We are also putting on an exclusive show with Peter Hook & The Light at Manchester’s Star and Garter in April – which has raised a further £18,340 to support Shout’s ongoing work.”

Given Headstock’s support for our recent survey of event organisers and venue managers, why do you believe it’s crucial to conduct such comprehensive surveys, and how will the findings be used to enhance Headstock’s fundraising efforts?

“Whilst the music industry has always had to shoulder a disproportionate level of mental health issues, things are now at a crisis point as a result of the global pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis. According to MVT, 125 grassroots venues shut their doors for good last year, whereas 38% of small venues reported a loss in 2023.

In addition, the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) reported 36 festival closures last year – and a further six have already announced cancellations in 2024. Times are extremely tough, and the difficult conditions will have a huge impact on the mental well-being of all involved.

With that in mind, it’s imperative that we understand exactly what the issues are and how they are impacting people across the industry. Headstock will be keeping a close eye on the results of the survey to help shape our fundraising and partnerships strategy for the coming year.”

As the stigma surrounding mental health diminishes and support systems expand, what future initiatives does Headstock believe are necessary to further support individuals in the events industry?

“We’re keen to work with our partners across the industry to improve the mental health support on offer within our live music venues – both front and back of house. This support might include the provision of mental health first aiders on site, mental health training/workshops for venue staff or therapeutic coaching for artists and crew passing
through the venues.”

With the rise of social media and screen time, how can organisations like Headstock adapt their support strategies to address the unique challenges faced by the new generation of event promoters and venue managers?

“Ultimately, I think the key here is understanding their social/digital behaviours and habits and ensuring that we tailor our strategies to ensure that we show up where the event promoters and venue managers are. This means a focus on the provision of digital assets and comms, a targeted social strategy (organic and paid) and relevant digital
partnerships with key industry players.

It’s also about creating or tailoring support services to cater for shifts in user behaviour. For example, the reason why we set up the MUSIC 85258 text support service is because Gen Z prefers to text rather than call. By offering an alternative, text-based support service we are taking away a barrier to people seeking help.”

What advice or resources would you offer to individuals struggling with their mental health, and how can they access support through Headstock?

“In terms of resources, our focus at the moment is raising awareness of the MUSIC 85258 text support service and we are speaking to a wide array of charities, organisations and industry bodies across the music industry.

To date, we have the support of Amazon Music, Music Support, Help Musicians, Music Minds Matter, Tonic Music, Shout, Skiddle, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), Music Industries Association, Music Industry Therapists Collective (MITC), the Association of Independent Music (AIM), the Independent Society of Musicians, Making Music, the Ivors Academy, the Association of Sound Designers, The Alliance of Associations & Professionals in Theatre, Live Events (AAPTLE), The Concert Promoters Association, and The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).

We are also looking to work with Skiddle and partners from across the industry to produce a physical mental health support pack to send out to music venues across the UK. The pack will include assets such as mirror vinyl, stickers and posters to promote and signpost to the MUSIC 85258 service. The packs will also include content and collateral from other mental health organisations and charities.”

Looking ahead, what fundraising plans does Headstock have for the remainder of the year to continue its mission of supporting mental well-being?

“In October 2024, we are going to be launching The Great Big Shout Out (TGBSO), our inaugural mental health series of events in aid of Shout. TGBSO is a one-day series of intimate, stripped-back sessions at some of Manchester’s best-loved independent music venues.TGBSO will take place on World Mental Health Day (Thursday 10th October) and will be presented as part of Beyond the Music’s conference programming.

Funds from the events will go towards funding our MUSIC 85258 text support service with Shout for another 1-2 years. In addition, we are also in discussions to launch a series of monthly Boiler Room-style events featuring some of the UK’s biggest DJs. We are currently exploring a potential partnership with The Yard, StreamGM and Skiddle in Manchester. These events will support many different charities supporting the music industry.”

Finally, could you outline the benefits of participating in the survey for those considering taking part, and how their involvement will contribute to their future well-being.

“Ultimately, we know that there is a huge mental health crisis facing the music industry, but we must understand the details so that we can collectively work together to improve the help, support and services on offer. Otherwise, we’re developing potential solutions based on gut feelings and assumptions.

By taking part in the survey, users will provide us with invaluable insight into the struggles that they’re facing in 2024 – which in turn will enable the industry to respond by developing the most appropriate support frameworks and strategies possible.”