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A new report on mental health from independent UK ticketing platform Skiddle has found that 50% of participants had experienced periods of poor mental health due to their job in the music and events industry.
Skiddle published early findings from its mental health survey of music and event professionals in the UK to coincide with this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday.
The year-long survey was launched in April and aims to highlight new challenges facing the community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis. Skiddle has urged venue proprietors and promoters of gigs, club events and festivals to participate in the survey, and identify areas in need of help.
Early results show that over a third did not feel financially secure, while 28% said the stress of work had caused problems with substance misuse. Some 50% of participants said they had experienced periods of poor mental health due to their job, and 30% said they did not know where to find music industry-specific mental health support.
Once the survey wraps up in April next year, insights will be compiled and transformed into a range of resources, such as white papers, freely downloadable handbooks, guides and additional materials.
“The preliminary findings from the study depict a rather grim landscape when concerning the mental well-being of professionals operating within the event sector,” said Duncan King, head of festivals and partnerships at Skiddle.
“We’re acutely aware of the numerous challenges stacked against the community at present and this data further solidifies the need for additional support and resources from the wider industry.
“During Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 especially, we’re urging organisers of events, venue managers and proprietors to get involved and share their experiences in our survey. Your input will enable us to bring about new avenues for support, allowing us to assist those most in need, improving the state of mental health in the UK for all.”
Mental health charities and ambassadors have supported the initiative, including Music Minds Matter/Help Musicians UK, Music Support, Manchester’s Headstock, Bristol Nights, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the Association for Independent Festivals (AIF), the Association for Independent Promoters (AIP), the Association of Electronic Music (AFEM), the Music Venue Trust, Getahead and Blue Rhythm.
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