The first 24 hour support network for the music industry
Indie |
Wednesday 27th April 2016 | Arren
A group of industry experts have clubbed together creating the music industry's first ever support group.
Music Support leads a helping hand and a listening ear to all those who work in the music scene, from the artists and DJs on the stage to the sound and tech engineers working tirelessly behind the scenes. The music industry has a tonne of pressures that pile up on individuals which is something not many people have been talking about. Sure partying every weekend may sound like the dream, but it has a knock on effect on your physical and mental health. The industry more than often leads people to poor mental/physical health, general stress, late nights, unpredictable working hours all take their toll - not to mention almost always being in situations where drink and drugs are not only readily available but considered your average night.
With little or no support in the place for these people, their issues would just get worse and worse until reaching breaking points. You don’t need to do much digging to find prime examples; Amy Winehouse, Avicii, Fatboy Slim the list goes on and on. The industry and it’s work loads comprises people’s personal relationships, tearing apart essential support structures that are supplied by family and friends, making work very psychologically taxing. All these things make those within the scene more ‘susceptible to emotional and mental health issues, stress, alcoholism, substance misuse and many other addictions’.
Clubs are great fun, but that lifestyle isn't substainable in the long run
With all these pressures piled on those working in the music industry, there is still huge stigma attached to those who admit to suffering - only making a bad situation worst. Music Support say enough is enough - ‘everybody is entitled to confidential, sympathetic and non-judgemental support.’ Founded by industry insiders - who have gone through these exact stresses and issues - they've formed a central body that'll provide free, essential care, support and advice to those suffering. ‘We will treat you with respect, empathy and compassion and guide you to the most appropriate source of help.’
A team of volunteers, with a wealth of experience and a range of connections to professionals, will man a 24 hour confidential phone service to help those in need. Pointing users to the right services and advice centres to create a safety net that’ll stop people spiralling out of control, before it’s too late. The non-profit group offers support to problems including alcoholism, addiction and stress to all levels of industry.
Lauryn Hill, who left the music business partly because 'the support system that I needed was not necessarily in place.'
Those manning the lines are all people who have faced these problems and found a way out. They understand how hard it is and know that every situation is different. The network of professionals are supported with their Clinical Director, Johan Sorensen. He can give clinical assessments and direct different courses of action depending on your needs, including treatments.
It’s the first project of it’s kind, and long may it continue. If you, or anyone you know, suffers from mental health problems due to working in the music industry contact Music Support now for free on 0203 432 0449. Alternatively you can get to them online or on Facebook.