RESOURCE // Useful Links and Websites.
Having a list of resources is something we all accumulate over time, whether that be a physical document like a little black book or just a mental note of where to turn when you need it. As we all know, the world has changed a lot in the past year and so has the resources we require to help us navigate the industry. One occurring issue we have found over this time is a lack of information flow. If you don't keep track of the daily goings-on then you risk being out of the loop, maybe you are experiencing a downturn in your mental health, or need an extra boost to find some self-motivation. We thought it was a good idea to put together a list of resources from mental health charities to lobbying bodies with the aim to help from now until we get back to the clubs.
Mental Health
MentalHealth.org.uk
MentalHealth.org.uk is an independent organisation with over 70 years of experience in the prevention of poor mental health. Their website is packed full of information on understanding conditions such as, Depression and Anxiety, providing steps that can be taken to manage certain conditions
Website: MentalHealth.org.uk
Help Musicians UK
Help Musicians UK is an independent UK charity for professional musicians of all genres, from starting out through to retirement.
More focused on the music sector, their website has an abundance of information that extends to further routed problems we may face and also provides advice for staying healthy in other areas such as financial and even housing.
Website: Helpmusicians.org.uk
Music Minds Matter
An arm of HMUK, set up for those who need urgent help. Their Helpline is open 24/7 and can help with a number of issues including referral to counselling and CBT therapy
Website: Musicmindsmatter.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 802 8008
The 73 Percent
The 73 Percent is a report devised by the Record Union in 2019 that shows the devastating impact mental health issues have on artists and musicians and calls for radical change in our society to aid in a better future for those who chose a life in music. What's particularly interesting is how common some of these issues are. Looking at it in a positive light, if you are suffering, you’re certainly not alone and while circumstances vary, you may share feelings with a lot more people than you think.
Website: The73percent.com
NHS Website & Helpline
It may sound obvious when reading this now, but many do forget that the NHS website has plenty of information on where to turn in a time of need, along with advice on the more focused topic of the effects on mental health caused by Covid-19.
The Helpline is also open 24/7 for those in urgent need, a more tailored helpline can be found here
Website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing
HELPLINE: 111
Prime Sources of Information
There is a lot of ‘Fake News’ or misinformation being passed around for just about everything right now. This can be rather counterproductive and doesn't have any benefits to those reading and sharing this type of ‘information’. Below is a list of Organisations and Bodies that provide accurate news that helps to keep you in the loop with what is actually happening in our industry and the affecting factors surrounding it.
Music Venue Trust
MVT was created in January 2014, with the aim to secure the long-term future of iconic Grassroots Music Venues in the UK
These venues have played a crucial role in the development of British music over the last 40 years, nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills.
Currently, their website contains ways to help the industry survive the crisis.
While this is mainly aimed at the protection of Grassroot Venues, there is a lot of up to date information surrounding the current news stories and what that means to our industry.
Website: Musicvenuetrust.com
Nighttime Industries Association
The NTIA is an independent body who have been at the forefront of most campaigns to save our night-time economy. It exists to nationally lobby on our behalf with ongoing discussions with senior leaders of the UK and champions the cultural output that is created within and provided through the Night-Time Industries.
They NTIA have a constant stream of evolving news based around the night-time economy along with new campaigns and petitions that need our support, such as #SaveNightLife and #WeCreateExperiences. The focus of the NTIA is the entire Nightime economy. This is a good source of information to help you get a grasp on what's going on.
Website: Ntia.co.uk
GOV.UK
It’s not easy keeping up with the ever-changing restrictions imposed by the Government in their attempt to control the spread of the virus. Yet the GOV website has up to date information on the new restrictions and keeping track of which areas are in which tier.
Website: GOV.UK
UK Music
UK Music is an industry-funded body, established in October 2008, to represent the collective interests of the recorded, published and live arms of the British music industry.
Through collective representation, UK Music promotes the interests of record labels and music publishers (major and independent), songwriters, composers, lyricists, musicians, managers, producers, promoters, venues and collection societies.
While their website contains a wide range of information, they also have a comprehensive section on how to get emergency funding for a number of different sectors of the music industry which could be a vital lifeline for those in need.
Website: Ukmusic.org
The One Voice One Industry
#WeMakeEvents, #LetTheMusicPlay and #WeCreateExperiences have aligned into one unified voice for the events and music industry. The three campaigns are currently led by three different sectors, each with their own interests at heart. The One Voice One Industry initiative will allow communications to be simplified between each of the campaigns, aiding in information sharing, sharing and debating on updates and newly evolving statistics and to help amplify the collective voice of an industry worth £84bn.
The Initiative is still in its infancy, yet is gaining momentum across the UK. It’s certainly one to keep an eye on and help wherever possible
Website: Mustbeonit.com/oneindustryonevoice
We really do hope you have found some of these useful for either now or for future reference.
And there are plenty more sites out there that can help you in a number of ways such as Doors Open if you're looking for a job in the industry. You can even use your time on social media to network more and meet new talents and industry folk. There is always a way to progress and often a few resources to help you get there.
If you know of any handy websites that should be on the list, then us know in the comment section below or over on our socials.
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