We are proud to partner with MHFA England to launch a series of training films tailored to a UK music industry audience. This is the first time that a music organisation has partnered with MHFA England in such a way.
The short films, which act as case studies during MHFA England’s Mental Health First Aid training, are based on existing training materials, reshot to place them in settings more akin to a music industry audience. They feature a cast who represent a variety of industry roles both on stage and behind the scenes.
The films deal with low mood and possible depression, supporting somebody through a panic attack and recognising signs of psychosis.
Many of the conditions that feature within the training programme are commonplace in cases that come before Music Support. The charity’s Helpline has seen a 51% increase in calls in the last year alone, with alcohol challenges being the biggest issue closely followed by anxiety, depression and burnout.
Research carried out by Deloitte in 2024 revealed the cost to employers from poor mental health rose to £51 billion in 2023-2024 from £45 billion in 2019. Deloitte’s study also found that 27% of UK employees either left their job in 2023 or were planning to leave in 2024, with 59% saying this was because of poor mental health.
Investing in staff mental health can have a huge impact on businesses. Employers see a return of £4.70 on average for every £1 spent on staff wellbeing. Organisation-wide early interventions, such as culture change and raising awareness of mental health issues, provide the highest return for employers, at £6.30 for every £1 spent.
Those trained as MHFAiders gain the knowledge and skills to spot the signs of a person experiencing poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation, and the tools to signpost to appropriate support. Importantly, training doesn’t stop when the course comes to an end. MHFA England is the only organisation that offers ongoing support, well beyond initial certification so that MHFAiders are confident, empowered and motivated to carry out their role. This support includes automatic 24/7 digital support through the MHFAider Support App. As a result, MHFA England’s training is proven to make a lasting difference. 92% of learners say they have a better understanding of mental health following their course.
Music Support’s Senior Learning and Development Specialist, Norman Beecher, said: “We were very excited for the opportunity to work with MHFA England in repurposing the case study films to become even more relatable to our music industry learners. The MHFA course empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to foster wellbeing and break stigma, as well as supporting those in need with empathy and understanding. We have trained more than 800 UK music industry individuals to date and look forward to going from strength to strength with this new suite of materials.”
Vicki Cockman, Director of Training and Consultancy from MHFA England said “At MHFA England, we want our training to create a forum in which individuals can talk more freely about mental health and seek support when they need it, which is why we were really pleased when Music Support approached us with the concept of creating bespoke case study films for their learners. They have skillfully retained the essence of the original films whilst making subtle cast, venue and dialogue decisions to provide greater resonance with a music industry audience. This innovative initiative is the first of its kind for MHFA England and Music Support and we are confident that it will help us to further achieve our shared mission of training one in 10 people in mental health knowledge, awareness and skills.”
Carlene Annon, Crew Logistics Manager at Britannia Row Productions, said of their team becoming Mental Health First Aiders with Music Support: “At Britannia Row Productions, a Clair Global brand, we pride ourselves on being a people-led company and encourage and promote MHFA training to prevent difficult situations as best we can. The more people in our work environment that are trained gives us all a better chance of supporting each other in a meaningful way, reducing stigma and promoting positive mental health, as well as reminding us to practice self-care. We’re grateful to Music Support for holding sessions that undoubtedly contribute to the betterment of the live music industry.”
In addition to delivering Mental Health First Aid, Music Support also works with individuals and companies to create bespoke training programmes on a wide range of topics including addiction and recovery awareness, self-care, work-life balance and neurodiversity. One such collaboration with global promoter Live Nation has seen the charity provide tailored mental health training to more than 130 of their line managers in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of supporting mental health in the workplace.
Jana Watkins, VP of Human Resources at Live Nation said “Music Support understands our business and the complex, unique challenges employees face in the live entertainment sector. Live Nation has partnered with the charity here in the UK for several years now, working with managers on how to support their teams when it comes to mental health. Employees are given the chance to input into the programme and specify areas where they need support, which has resulted in targeted content and output. It’s a game changer.”
