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DEMAND RISES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN U.K. MUSIC BIZ
10/9/24

U.K. music charity Music Support, which aids music industry personnel struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, experienced a 51% increase in calls to its helpline across the last year.

Results from the survey, which was deployed across the org's Safe Hubs at festivals this summer, were released in conjunction with World Mental Health Day on 10/10.

26% of respondents said they have experienced drug and/or alcohol problems in the last 12 months (up from 19% in 2023), 49% reported experiencing mental health problems (up from 40%) and 21% have had suicidal thoughts (up from 18%).

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.”

The charity has directly impacted at least 1,000 people from the U.K. music industry in the last year through its core services. In order to support its ongoing work, which is entirely dependent on external funding, Music Support has launched an awareness campaign at London’s Curzon Soho cinema via the promotional film titled Without You, There is No Music, which was made by BBC Creative.