Music industry organisations pledge increased mental health support with Music Minds Matter initiative, Allies

A number of UK-based music industry organisations have joined up with Music Minds Matter, the charity supporting the mental health of people working in music, to throw their support behind its new Allies initiative.

Launched today (Thursday, 10th October) on World Mental Health Day, the first six signees of the initiative have committed to building greater awareness of the mental health support that is available to their members and networks. This will partly come through the establishment of mental health-based events through the year, as well as the co-development of new resources to be shared more widely.

The first organisations becoming Music Minds Matter Allies are the BIMM Music Institute, British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Featured Artist Coalition (FAC), Music Managers Forum (MMF), Musicians’ Union (MU) and We Are The Unheard (WATU). 

Sarah Woods, Chief Executive of Music Minds Matter and Help Musicians, said in a statement: “A life in music is full of uniting highs but sadly the hours, pace and passion can have an impact on wellbeing too. It’s vital that those who work in music know there is somewhere they can turn for their mental health and we want to ensure that messages spreads to all who need us.

“With our Music Minds Matter Allies, we can work together to develop more supporting resources and reach so many more who need support, whether a venue booker, artist manager, festival owner, record producer or label accountant. Music Minds Matter is here for everyone working in music at any time and we’re so pleased to work with our Ally organisations to ensure that help and guidance reaches those in need now, or those who may need it in the future.”

Dr. Jo Twist OBE, Chief Executive of the BPI, said: “The BPI is proud to be working together with Music Minds Matter through their Allies programme. Promoting and protecting the mental wellbeing of the BPI Team is an important priority for us and we’re excited to be embarking on the Allies journey with Music Minds Matter to develop this area of work.”

David Martin, CEO of the FAC said: “Our industry is a vibrant and inspiring place to work, home to countless passionate and creative individuals. This is especially true for the artists and creators who provide us with the music and performances that drive our sector.

“However, this same drive and dedication can bring significant pressures, which is why the FAC is delighted to become an ally of Music Minds Matter, helping to ensure better access to crucial mental health services for our members.”

Music Minds Matter was launched as a subsidiary of Help Musicians in 2022. Find out more about the charity’s work here.

A report published in late 2023 found that one-third of musicians suffer negative mental wellbeing.