The study consisted of surveying 700 musicians across the British territory, and found out that 87% of the sample acknowledged that their mental health has gotten worse over the course of the pandemic. However, the service was launched in July 2017, long before COVID19, and aimed at providing 24/7 assistance through a support line for the whole music industry, with accredited therapists ready to help. James Ainscough, Chief Executive of Help Musicians, stated on April 9th: ‘Music is beneficial to everybody’s mental wellbeing, yet those who work in music seem to struggle more than most with their own mental health.’

‘The pandemic has amplified this paradox’ he continued. ‘Music Minds Matter will become a collaborative mental wellbeing resource for the entire music industry, to help those who are struggling and to transform the ability of all those working in music to proactively maintain their wellbeing. Working together, spotlighting all that is valuable whoever the provider, the music industry can embed lasting change and become a leader in caring for the mental health of its people.’

Hence, the Music Minds Matter service is supposed to be expanded, with the organisation adding a wider British network of professionals as well as local support groups and targeted signposting. The main goal is to help people of the creative industry – including but not limited to musicians – with the most suited support possible. Collecting society PPL has backed Help Musicians with a £300k funding for the next three years. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Help Musicians (@helpmusicians)

700 musicians participated in the charities study across the UK. 87% stated that their mental health had declined severely since the beginning of lockdown and the lack of being able to perform. 59% stated that Brexit implications for touring and live shows in Europe was a major factor, ‘compounding the problem’. 96% said they were worried about finances and their situations generally.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Help Musicians (@helpmusicians)

70% stated they do not think they will be able to ‘cope financially’ for the next 6 months whilst half the participants stating they earn nothing from music at all the the current moment. 24% are considering leaving music altogether.

Help Musicians’ Chief Executive James Ainscough stated, “We can’t sugar coat these findings – we are facing a mental health crisis amongst musicians on an unprecedented scale. We have been offering ongoing financial support to thousands of musicians throughout the pandemic, but offering money is just one part of what musicians need – we have also had to completely revamp the mental health support we offer to address this rapidly unfolding crisis.

He continued, “Musicians who cannot work don’t just suffer financially, they grieve for the creativity and connections that their music usually brings.This is why we have bolstered our mental health support for musicians across the UK.”

The implications of Brexit and the very real crises that the global pandemic had on the music industry and especially its creative artists mean that musicians are facing a loss of livelihood, passion and financial stability. Ainscough pleaded to those musicians currently experiencing stress about the future or, “needs urgent help or simply a listening ear,x please call Music Minds Matter now on 0808 802 8008.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Help Musicians (@helpmusicians)