Christopher BarrettMusic Support, a charity that provides help for UK music and live industry workers affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction, said it is working with a record number of industry professionals.
The independent UK organisation said it has worked to help at least 1,000 people across the industry this year, and seen a 51% increase in calls to its helpline.
According to the results of a wellbeing survey conducted at the charity’s Safe Hubs at festivals this summer, there was an increase across the board in challenges peers face surrounding substance use and mental health. Some 26% of respondents said they had experienced drug and/or alcohol problems in the last 12 months, up from 19% in 2023, while 49% said they had experienced mental health problems, up from 40%, 21% had had suicidal thoughts, up from 18%. The figures have been released ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
In response to the concerning increase in demand for its services during the past year, Music Support has formulated a new strategy that it expects will expand and enhance the charity’s offering to ensure “comprehensive, targeted support at every stage of an individual’s journey in the music industry”.
With Music Support being dependent on external funding to continue its work, the charity launched a new awareness campaign today, 8 October, at London’s Curzon Soho cinema. The campaign is led by a film, made in partnership with The Global Entertainment Marketing Academy of Arts & Sciences and BBC Creative, with voiceover from Busted’s Matt Willis who is a long-time mental health advocate and supporter of the charity’.
Titled Without You There Is No Music, the film and wider campaign has been created to shine a light on the charity’s work and raise awareness of the services and resources it provides. As well as its core services, the organisation also provides professional training in Mental Health First Aid and Addiction and Recovery Awareness, as well as hosting webinars and interviews focused on the topics.
Music Support has been providing Safe Hubs backstage at UK festivals since 2016. The hubs are spaces where anyone working at participating festivals, from artist to crew, can speak to a Mental Health First Aid trained peer.
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 of the new campaign film: “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.”