UPDATE: New Mental Health Helpline Launched To Support Australia’s Music Industry
ORIGINAL STORY: The Australian music charity Support Act has announced that it is preparing to launch a new mental health helpline for musicians and others working in the local music industry.
Thanks to startup funding from Alberts Music and its Tony Foundation, Support Act will deliver a confidential phone service, using professionals to help address the vast and unique challenges facing those working in the music industry.
In 2015 a report conducted by Victoria University found that attempted suicide in the entertainment industry was more than double the rest of the population, while workers were 10 times more likely to suffer from anxiety, with 64 per cent of performers earning less than the national minimum wage.
“Having seen first-hand through our family’s work in the music industry the prevalence and impact of mental health issues, we are excited to be supporting this innovative tailored approach to assist music professionals and drive improved mental wellbeing throughout the industry,” says Emily Albert, Executive Officer of the Tony Foundation.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with the widely respected Albert family through the Tony Foundation, and to be able to respond to the needs of the Australian music community in such a meaningful way,” says Support Act Chief Executive Joanna Cave. “We look forward to sharing more details of the new service soon.”
The move comes less than a month after triple j Breakfast hosts Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton made an emotional speech live-to-air about their own mental health for R U OK? Day.
Stay tuned for more details about the launch of Support Act’s new helpline.
