skip to main content

Survey to Understand the Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of Creative Freelancers

The Hub UK and the Creative Industries Federation are looking to develop a new, totally free, mental health support programme – and your answers to their ten-minute survey can help them build something that meets your needs.

Published: 22 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Multi coloured bunting flapping in the blue sky
The Hub UK will donate £100 to the winner’s mental health or arts charity or crowdfunder of choice. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The survey has been launched to coincide with Mental Health Awareness week, and will be running until 7 June. The support program wants to know how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted your mental health and your career/business.

They plan to use their findings to help shape BALANCE, a series of online talks they’ll be launching in June – alongside the Creative Industries Federation – around how freelancers, artists and others running their own creative companies can better balance their minds and their books.

When you enter, you’ll also be entered into a prize draw. The Hub UK will donate £100 to the winner’s mental health or arts charity or crowdfunder of choice.

Answers are confidential and the survey should take around 10 minutes to complete. It will be closing on 7 June.

Take the survey here.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers
Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)
Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

Read more about Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026