Musicians’ Mental Health Month campaign returns this month

Following the success of last year’s campaign, a group of music charities including Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT), Musicians’ Union (MU), British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) and Tonic Rider have launched the second annual musicians’ mental health month.

Running from 3 to 29 April the campaign will include a programme of free and accessible events designed to support early career musicians. As well as an Introduction to Mental Health webinar from Tonic Rider and one to one coaching sessions with career coach Marion Friend MBE (18 April), participating organisations will provide resources plus dedicated guidance, advice and interaction on social media.

Rose Delcour-Min, the MU’s education and health and wellbeing officer said: ‘The UK cost of living crisis is a major concern for us all, and the impact it has on our members’ mental health is just one of the areas it impacts. The Musicians’ Union is committed to helping musicians get help and access the much-needed support and services that protects their careers and their health.’

Music mental health charity Tonic Rider has joined this year’s campaign. Founded in 2012, the organisation offers events promoting mental health awareness and will provide an Introduction to Mental Health webinar on 25 April explaining the common mental health difficulties young classical artists experience and offering guidance on finding support.

Jeordie Shenton, Tonic Rider coordinator, said: ‘Young classical artists encounter many stressors as part of the early stages of their career, therefore, it is important to highlight the impact these can have on mental health and teach skills for musicians to support themselves, their colleagues and the wider music community.’

You can find the full calendar of events for Musicians’ Mental health Month here.