female working in music studio

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

Published 15th May 2023

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 15 – Sunday 21 May. In light of this important week, we wanted to highlight one of the many ways in which our official charity partner, Help Musicians, is helping to support the mental health of musicians. 

Working in music can be tough - and now more than ever, it’s vital to recognise the impact of the challenges faced in recent years on musicians’ wellbeing. Music Minds Matter is Help Musicians' dedicated mental health service providing a range of support for the whole UK music community. 

Music Minds Matter

If you work in music and are struggling to cope, the Music Minds Matter phone line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; it doesn’t have to be a crisis, or about music. Music Minds Matter will connect you with an accredited counsellor who can offer emotional support, advice and information. Where appropriate, they may also signpost to other specialist services, offer debt and legal advice as well as access to further support from Help Musicians. 

To get in touch with Music Minds Matter, please call 0808 802 8008 or visit Music Minds Matter for more information.

Online Self-Care Sessions

Alongside the phone line, Music Minds Matter offers access to guided support from accredited therapists through peer support groups and specialist services. 

Developing coping strategies through online self-care sessions is an important way to help you navigate the challenging times. During Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May), equip yourself with a toolkit of techniques through two free online self-care sessions:

  • Tuesday 16th May at 3pm - session focused on anxiety
  • Friday 19th May at 11am - session specifically on performance anxiety
music minds matter logo
Attending online sessions can feel intimidating, so you are welcome to engage as much or as little as you like. Feel free to join in the conversation via the chat box or just sit back and listen, and to have your camera on or off as you feel most comfortable.

Register for Self-Care Sessions

To register for online self-care sessions click here.

You can also find personal stories from others working in music, guidance videos from professionals, online resources and organisations offering support for whatever you’re going through via Music Minds Matter Explore. 

help musicians and music minds matter logo

Help Musicians is the official charity partner of Allianz Musical Insurance, offering specialist support for the whole UK music community. Allianz also work in partnership with Mind and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) where support is available. Their details are below along with Samaritans:

For urgent help

The Music Minds Matter service and support line is not intended to replace the NHS or private health services. If it’s an emergency or you or someone you know is at imminent risk of harm or in acute distress you can call 999 or go to your local A&E department.

If you need help, you should contact your GP or call NHS 111.