In case you missed it, we have a recording of one of Alison’s sessions available to rewatch via Facebook. Image credit: Shutterstock.
Offered during this month were individual coaching, a workshop on managing your mind, and meditation classes with Alison Gordon, who leads the Meditation sessions for the MU which are free for members.
70-75% of musicians will experience a mental health problem
Kate Blackstone, Project Manager at Young Classical Artist's Trust (YCAT), said:
“Early career musicians can often feel like their only sources of mental health advice are their tutors, or other musicians. That’s why we are offering mental health support from qualified and experienced practitioners.
“I really hope that this can be the beginning of musicians’ journeys into maintaining their mental health in a manageable and positive way.”
Joe Hastings, Head of Music Minds Matter at Help Musicians UK mentioned the importance of helping musicians to develop healthy habits early in their careers:
“The early part of a musician’s career can be an exciting time, but it can also present significant challenges. Through the insights that we have gathered via our Music Minds Matter service, we understand the importance of prioritising self-care to build and maintain emotional wellbeing and to promote happy and healthy careers.
“We are really excited to be working with YCAT, BAPAM and the the Musicians’ Union on this important campaign.”
This is especially important given the impact of pandemic restrictions, as Phoebe Butler, Training Assistant at the British Association for Performance Arts Medicine (BAPAM) explains:
“Sadly 70-75% of musicians will experience a mental health problem, and this is on the increase since Covid-19.
“Building healthy practice at an early stage will help reduce mental health problems and we are delighted to be working with YCAT on this important project.”
Mental Health support at the MU
In case you missed it, we have a recording of one of Alison’s sessions available to re-watch via Facebook.
Watch on Facebook
Rose Delcour-Min, MU Education and Equalities Officer said:
“Access to health and wellbeing resources is crucial for the longevity of musicians’ careers. We want a culture change where musicians feel empowered to ask for help before reaching a crisis point.
“We’re proud to be working with YCAT, Help Musicians and BAPAM, and we hope to continue to deliver on this for our members.”
Are you an MU member interested in meditation? View our events page for the next session.