Music Support understands that freelancers in todays live events industry need to work across a wide range of sectors and have evolved their courses to be relevant for personnel who bridge music related events, business events, brand activations, outdoor events, weddings, sports, cultural and charity experiences and more

Our aim is to work with industry partners to improve mental health literacy and prevention, and see that anyone in the industry affected by mental ill-health can access effective and timely help.

We believe that equipping and training industry peers is a key strategy to achieving this aim.

What is Mental Health First Aid and how can it help our industry now?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and provide help on a first aid basis. Everyone on an MHFA course is taught a set of skills which enables them to support someone experiencing mental health issues.

"The devastating impact of Coronavirus on the music industry makes the work of Music Support more important than ever. The uncertainty, the health risks and the financial pressures are taking a toll on all of us. The challenge is particularly acute for the many self employed in our industry, without the support and safety net of an employer and a network and colleagues, but mental and emotional health, as well as addiction, can affect any of us at any stage in our careers." (Mark, Design and Lighting)

Independent research and evaluation show that taking part in an MHFA course:

- Raises awareness and mental health literacy

- Reduces stigma around mental ill health and feel confident guiding people towards appropriate support

- Boosts knowledge and confidence in dealing with mental health issues

- Encourages people to start a conversation with a person who may be experiencing a mental health issue

- Promotes early intervention which enables recovery

In the last 12 months we have trained 123 Mental Health First Aiders who represent 75 different companies across the UK. 100% felt the course had improved their personal confidence of how best to support others with a mental health issue.

Our courses are delivered by MHFA England approved instructor and qualified addiction counsellor.

How can you help?

Donate whatever you can!

Your support, however big or small, will go a long way towards the cost of Music Support running MHFA training online (now) and face-to-face (in the near future!). It will also provide bursaries for peers to complete the training who are unable to afford the course fee during the current climate.

We would like to raise enough funds to provide bursaries for 100 live event industry peers to complete training for during 2021.

MHFA England value this course at £300 per person. You don't have to contribute the full amount to be part of this campaign. This is about us coming together as an industry to be a part of making a lasting difference to our industry.

Ps. Don't forget Gift Aid. It all adds up!