Free mental health programme to provide support for musicians and training for venues
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
The Tonic Rider programme has been designed by Tonic Music for Mental Health, a charity founded in 2012
The programme provides free mental health guides, training and support, all provided digitally:
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training provided to grassroots venues – delivering skills needed to recognise and support individuals experiencing mental health difficulties
- Workshops for Music Performance Anxiety, ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy), Mindfulness, emotional coping skills, suicide prevention training and other workshops
- Virtual peer support groups, plus digital resources such as videos, blogs, podcasts, and email support provided by mental health professionals
- Mental health guides written by a team of mental health professionals in consultation with music industry professionals, covering topics such as anxiety, depression and suicide prevention
Terry Hall, lead singer of The Specials and Tonic Music For Mental Health patron said: 'These are terribly testing times for those of us with mental health issues.
'My mental health deteriorated towards the end of last year. The thing that got me through was communication.
'If you’re suffering, then it is incredibly important to tell people, family, friends, doctors, Tonic! Tell them to check on you... always! Share your health issues - they aren’t problems.'
Tonic Rider will be working virtually with venues, such 100 Club in London and Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, and many others across the UK through the pandemic.
The programme will be eventually rolled out physically to green rooms, festivals and Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) members, with the aim to include the Tonic Rider on all rider lists, venue posters and via ‘Tonic Hubs’ at partner live events.
Tonic Rider also launches a research study led by Jeordie Shenton (PhD researcher, Goldsmiths) and Adam Ficek (Psychotherapist, DPsych researcher) into the mental health of music industry professionals, to inform ongoing preventative work and support services.
Steph Langan, Tonic Music for Mental Health CEO said: 'Given the current crisis within every area of the music industry, but especially the struggling live sector, we are pleased to bring together our experts to launch Tonic Rider digital support programme, as well as the research study at this time.
'Providing free, remote support to musicians and venues will allow us to reach the people who need our support the most at this time of great uncertainty and change.
'Whilst venues are closed, it will be a particularly helpful time for venue staff and musicians to receive vital psychoeducational training, emotional support and access to advice and support via digital resources. We are working together with our partners, including the NTIA, so that when the world re-opens, Tonic Rider can offer face-to-face support.'