Health
The music industry is a realm of creativity, vibrancy, and innovation; however, it can also impact an individual’s physical and mental health. Fortunately, various organisations within the music industry are dedicated to supporting musicians in maintaining their well-being.
Explore our comprehensive selection of resources and events designed to assist you at any stage of your career. From mental, physical, and vocal health to hearing concerns, performance issues, and practical guides on exercise, posture, and general well-being, these resources offer valuable insights to help you not only survive but thrive in your musical journey.
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AWARE NI
AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland. They have a Support Line in place for mental health support and information. The Support Line operates Monday to Friday from 11am to 3pm. Please call 07548 530931 or 07340 488254. You can also email info@aware-ni.org and a member of the team will get back to you.
Backup
Backup is The Technical Entertainment Charity and provides financial support to industry technical professionals working in live events, theatre, TV and film.
Balance Toolkit, by The Hub
The Balance toolkit includes 100+ bespoke resources to help artists and creative freelancers take better care of their mental health and businesses in the wake of COVID 19. The toolkit includes bitesize video clips, quick reads, audio content, exercises and illustrations, all designed to help you balance your mind AND your books.
British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)
BAPAM delivers expert health and wellbeing services to those working in the performing arts. The breadth of health challenges that may be encountered throughout performing arts careers can range from mental health, musculoskeletal, vocal health and hearing concerns, while common issues such as eyesight and dental health can cause specific problems when performing. BAPAM connects those working and studying in the performing arts with clinical specialists in these fields, and more.
Fit to Play: health, performance and the instrumentalist
BAPAM (The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) has produced a factsheet which presents an overview of the main health and performance issues facing instrumentalists.
Help Musicians NI
Being a professional musician can be tough, with ups and downs throughout careers leading to different kinds of challenges. The breadth of Help Musicians’ health and wellbeing support ensures it offers the right help to those in need; from assistance with debt, support with health problems or financial and practical help during retirement, the charity’s team makes sure it offers musicians a lifetime of support when it’s needed most. If you are a musician facing a health or welfare issue, you can see how they may be able to help on their website.
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time. Simply enter your postcode to find out what help is at hand near you.
Mental Health Ireland
If you need to talk to someone, Mental Health Ireland has a number of helplines you can contact for confidential non-judgemental support. Most helplines can provide a listening service, give information and advice, provide emotional support or point you in the direction of other services.
Minding Creative Minds
Minding Creative Minds is Ireland’s (32 county and Irish overseas) first 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support programme for the Irish Creative Sector and includes access to a 24/7 Dedicated Phone Line (Phone 1800 814 244) (Calling from NI – 0800 0903677), Text ‘Hi’ to 087 369 0010 for SMS & WhatsApp Support (standard rate applies) with a qualified psychotherapist / counsellor, Counselling Service (Short term intervention / Up to 6 Sessions), Telephone Counselling, Secure Video Counselling and Extensive Web Portal & App enabling live chat function with a counsellor.
Minding Your Head
Minding Your Head is a helpful website which provides guides for mental and emotional wellbeing, advice on how to deal with stress, directories of mental health services, and information on what to do or who to turn to if you are worried about yourself or someone you know.
Musicians’ Wellbeing Guidance Pack
Are you looking to prioritize your health and wellbeing as you pursue your music career? The Musicians’ Union’s Wellbeing Guidance Pack is here to support you. It offers expert advice on maintaining mental and physical health, preventing injuries, and leading a healthy lifestyle, all tailored specifically for musicians.
The pack connects you with specialized organizations like BAPAM, Help Musicians UK, Music Support, and the Royal Society of Musicians, providing access to vital resources, crisis support, and financial assistance. You’ll also find self-help techniques, workshops, and tips for staying healthy on tour, helping you thrive both on and off the stage.
A guide to Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Musicians
The guide from FunctionCentral offers concise support for musicians’ mental health, acknowledging their unique challenges and higher mental health risks. It emphasises the importance of a supportive work environment and healthy practices such as reframing negative thoughts, practising mindfulness, seeking social support, and maintaining physical health. The guide also outlines options for additional help through the NHS, charities, and private services, concluding with useful resources and links for further assistance.
MMF Guide to Mental Health
The Music Managers Forum (MMF) have re-published The MMF Guide To Mental Health 2021, updating a free online resource originally made available in 2017 in partnership with music charities Music Support and Help Musicians. This new expanded version is tailored specifically at the well-being concerns of modern-day music managers and includes detailed chapters on areas including Stress Management, Imposter Syndrome, Anxiety & Depression and Alcoholism & Drug Dependency.
Musicians’ Union Hearing Health Scheme
Whether you’re a globetrotting musician or just setting out on your career, taking care of your hearing should be a major priority. Among the many important resources to that end is the Musicians Union’s Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. Visit them to today protect your hearing, and access musician-specialist audiologists and bespoke hearing protection at an affordable price.
Music Minds Matter, from Help Musicians
A career in music can present many challenges, and these challenges can sometimes impact negatively on an individual’s mental health. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Music Minds Matter is Help Musicians’ dedicated mental health support line and service for the whole UK music community. If you work in music and are struggling to cope, or know someone who is, you can call them. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, or about music. Calling Music Minds Matter will ensure you speak to accredited therapists who will listen, support and help at any time. Music Minds Matter: 0808 802 8008.
Music Support
Music Support provides help and support for those in or employed by the UK music industry affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction. They facilitate education and learning via workshops and training to individuals and organisations in the industry so they may be better equipped in the areas of awareness, early intervention and prevention.
PIPS Charity
PIPS Charity is here to provide support to individuals who are considering, or who have at some point considered, ending their own lives. PIPS also provide support to those families & friends who have been touched by suicide. Call 028 9080 5850 or freephone 0800 0886042; alternatively you can email info@pipscharity.com
Royal College of Music London’s How to be a Healthy Musician
What does it mean to be a healthy musician? This guide by the Royal College of Music London explores how to maintain physical, mental, and social well-being in the demanding world of music. Dr. George Waddell from the Centre for Performance Science provides insights into integrating health practices into a musician’s routine, emphasizing that true health involves thriving rather than merely avoiding illness.
The guide covers practical advice on managing physical health, such as exercise and posture, as well as mental wellness strategies like engagement and meaningful connections. It also addresses the importance of hearing protection, effective practice habits, and career sustainability, offering a comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining a balanced and successful musical career.
Stagehand
Stagehand is a charity which supports the welfare of those working in live production.
