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The Centre For Mental Health In The Music Industry 

‘’The centre for Mental health in the music industry should be in every town. It’s a fabulous place for all musicians on the edge, I know from personal experiences with depression along the years.’’
- Chris Difford, Musician

‘’Being an artist and a slave to your deepest darkest thoughts is draining. A lot of the time one can feel lonely with no one to turn except for a blank piece of paper. It’s important for us to know we are not alone in this. The centre provides us with that. A paramount establishment.’’
- Hak Baker, Musician

‘’As musicians, we are working in a highly competitive and highly uncertain industry. We are also statistically more prone to mental health issues. Having a service that understands, in a society where artistic endeavours are routinely dismissed as frivolous and unimportant, is priceless.’’ 
- Carol Hodge, Musician

Based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, The centre for Mental health in the music industry is a dedicated and essential resource for all who are involved in the music industry. It is a place for support and exploration around mental health in the music industry and raising awareness of what we can do to improve the industries provision for mental health and continue to support the needs of musicians and other industry professionals. We provide Therapy, supervision and training. Please look at a list of what we offer below.


·      Counselling services for individuals and groups.


·     Music Industry mental health coaching and consultation


·      Space for organisations, discussion, focus and support groups to hire


·      Provides group counselling and conflict resolution for bands seeking help and guidance


·     Education and training around mental health in the music industry for individuals, organisations, students


·     The only CPD accredited 1-day course on Mental Health Awareness in the Music Industry


·     CPD accredited workshop for music students


·      Provides counselling, talks and information for festivals and events


·     Critical incident debriefing services


 

                                                           A code of practice for Mental Health in the Music Industry


Rachel Jepson is a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Supervisor and has been involved in the music industry for over 20 years as a vocalist.

Rachel is a published author around the subject of Mental Health and the Music Industry and runs The Centre For Mental Health in the Music industry in Manchester. She has developed and provides the first and only CPD accredited course in Mental Health Awareness in the Music Industry. Rachel has spent the last 5 years dedicating herself to raising awareness of mental health in the music industry. She works with charities such as Music Support, Helpmusicians and Tonic providing counselling, training and workshops.

This code of practice was born out of years of listening to musicians and industry professionals about their experiences and research for a Masters degree which Rachel completed in September 2021. During this research, Rachel interviewed musicians and other members of the music industry community about what they feel they need to be supported with their mental health and what needs to change. Whilst providing her course to many different members of the music industry community, the same issues arose time and time again. Sadly, there is nothing in place to regulate mental health and wellbeing within the arts, resulting in certain behaviour and practices impacting hugely on the mental health of its members.

This code of practice will be essential in ensuring that both organizations and individuals can pledge their support and implement much needed change within the music industry.

 

                                                                                                                   Code of Practice


·      Anyone in a management role must have knowledge of mental health services and be equipped to signpost to dedicated services.


·      At least one member or employee of an organization, band or group needs to complete a dedicated music and mental health course or workshop.


·      There will be ideally two dedicated members of staff to go to within an organization, trained in basic counselling skills who people can go to if they feel they are being harassed, bullied or discriminated against because of gender, race and anything else. ‘Bad’ behaviour (for example, sexual harassment or bullying) will not be tolerated and accepted based on whether someone is well known and bring in punters, students, or anyone else for monetary gain.


·      Music courses of all levels need to include mental health and the music industry in their curriculum so that students are prepared for pitfalls, educated on neurodivergence, how to support themselves and others, and alternative ways to have a music career outside of the usual taught paths to success.


·      People who are new to the industry must be provided with a list of services, courses and provisions available to support mental health in the music industry. This will be available online, by managers to new staff, and also provided on contract signings as common practice alongside legal obligations etc. Depending on the age of the ‘new starter’, parents or carers will also be encouraged to learn about the industry and what to expect.


·      Somebody trained in mental health in the music industry must be present at any contract signings with musicians and other music industry members to signpost and discuss any issues that may arise for the person in question.


·      Anyone who is working one on one or in small groups with young or vulnerable musicians, artists and other music industry roles must be DBS checked.


·      Music venues will work to try and provide an alcohol and substance free space that is clean and quiet for bands, artists, and anyone involved in the crew to go to. This space can also be used for parents who due to their circumstances, needed to bring their babies or children on tour.


·      Bands and artists will be paid in money and not with alcohol, food or ‘exposure’.


·      All management companies and record labels within their budget, will provide mental health provision to all artists and staff if needed and ensure there is a provision, whether face to face, telephone and online for when artists are touring or performing at festivals.





How to be a Woman in the Music Industry

A 3-hour online CPD Accredited course

 

Rachel Jepson has over 25 years of experience in the music industry as a singer and 8 years of experience as a BACP-accredited psychotherapist. Being a woman in music and undertaking extensive research on women's experiences in the music industry has informed her work and helped produce this unique and necessary training.

Focusing on issues that many women have struggled with in the Music Industry such as parenting, sexual harassment, and power imbalance, no other music industry course provides these insights and opportunities for discussion and change.

 

The course can be taught within organizations or for individuals.


www.centreformentalhealthinthemusicindustry

 

www.counsellingformusicians.co.uk

 



 

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