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The music industry is a place of creativity, vibrancy and innovation; but, like many working environments, it can also take its toll on an individual’s physical and mental health. And that’s before you add COVID-19 and a global pandemic into the mix. Thankfully, there are organisations within the music industry who are here to help. Below you can find links to some resources and events to help you explore new ways to survive, and even thrive.

If you would like your organisation to be listed in this section, please contact news@musicconnections.com

Advice NI Helpline

A Freephone Helpline has been established to assist those in vulnerable groups to access information, advice and support in relation to COVID-19. The Helpline, which is managed by Advice NI, is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, the number is 0808 802 0020. Alternatively you can text ACTION to 81025, email Covid19@adviceni.net or complete a form on their website.

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Advice NI Helpline

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.

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AWARE NI

Backup

Backup is The Technical Entertainment Charity and provides financial support to industry technical professionals working in live events, theatre, TV and film.

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Backup

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. 

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Balance Toolkit, by The Hub

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. 

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British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)

COVID Wellbeing NI

On this website you will find a comprehensive range of information, self-help guides and ways to access help to support your mental health and wellbeing. 

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COVID Wellbeing NI

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.

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Help Musicians NI

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.

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Hub of Hope

Lifeline NI

Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is there to help. People living in Northern Ireland can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Calls to Lifeline are free to people living in Northern Ireland who are calling from UK landlines and mobiles.

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Lifeline NI

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. 

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Mental Health Ireland

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.

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Minding Creative Minds

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.

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Minding Your Head

Music and You

Music and You is a mental health & wellness company offering mental health support for music artists, music industry professionals and the wider music community.

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Music and You

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.

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Music Minds Matter, from Help Musicians

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.

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Music Support

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 

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PIPS Charity

Stagehand

Stagehand is a charity which supports the welfare of those working in live production.

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Stagehand