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Surge In Demand for Music Support’s Mental Health Services

By Ryan Moss
10 Oct 2024
5 min read

Mental Health charity Music Support has announced that it has worked to help 545 people in the UK music industry across its core services and has seen a 51% increase in calls to its helpline in 2024.

The news comes alongside results from a survey carried out by the charity’s Safe Hubs at festivals this year.

6% of respondents said they had experienced drug and/or alcohol problems in the last 12 months (up from 19% in 2023), 49% said they had experienced mental health problems (up from 40%) and 21% had suicidal thoughts (up from 18%).

In response to the increased demand for its services, the charity has formulated an “ambitious new strategy” that will “expand and enhance the charity’s offering, ensuring comprehensive, targeted support at every stage of an individual’s journey in the music industry.”

The strategy will provide educational resources and life-saving crisis interventions for those facing urgent challenges around substance abuse and mental health. Music Support expects that it will provide an “unparalleled support package, empowering music professionals to thrive, no matter the challenges they face.”

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To gain funding and continue this work, the independent charity has launched a new awareness campaign, led by a film called ‘Without You, There Is No Music’. It launched on 8th October, welcoming friends, partners and beneficiaries to the special event.

Made in partnership with The Global Entertainment Marketing Academy of Arts & Sciences (G.E.M.A), BBC Creative, and featuring a voiceover from Busted’s Matt Willis, the film and wider campaign aims to amplify the charity’s work, raising awareness of the services and resources it provides.

Music Support CEO, Joe Hastings, said: “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 said: “‘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.”

Want to have your say on Mental Health in our industry? We’ve enlisted the help of several partners including Music Support, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the Association for Indpendent Festivals (AIF) and more to bring you the Skiddle Mental Health Survey

Specifically targeting venue proprietors and promoters of gigs, club events, and festivals throughout the UK, the data collected will be used by Skiddle and its partners to identify the regions and locations in the greatest need of mental health support.

Insights will also be compiled and transformed into a range of valuable resources, such as white papers, freely downloadable handbooks, guides, and additional materials, offering practical guidance to industry professionals on how to manage their mental health.

Have your say below.

Take Skiddle's Mental Health Survey

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