21 July 2026

Music Support is proud to mark South Asian Heritage Month by hosting a free online panel discussion exploring the importance of cultural attunement and competency in psychotherapy for South Asian communities working across the UK music industry.

Taking place on Tuesday 28 July from 6:30pm–7:45pm via Zoom, the event will bring together leading voices from psychotherapy, artist relations and equality, diversity and inclusion to discuss how mental health support can become more accessible, culturally responsive and inclusive.

People working in the music industry face unique pressures, from freelance instability and burnout to performance anxiety and the demands of touring. For many South Asian artists, creatives and music professionals, these challenges can be compounded by additional barriers such as stigma around mental health, concerns about representation, and a lack of culturally informed support.

This panel will explore why cultural competency matters in psychotherapy, the role lived experience plays in creating psychologically safe spaces, and how the music industry can better support South Asian communities.

Meet the panel

The discussion will be hosted by Suzanna Storey, Support Services Officer at Music Support and an integrative psychotherapist specialising in work with creatives and racial and religious trauma. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience of South Asian heritage, Suzanna brings a culturally attuned perspective to supporting those working across the music industry.

Joining Suzanna will be:

• Chula Goonewardene, Clinical Consultant, Harley Street, an experienced psychotherapist with extensive expertise in mental health, addiction recovery and supporting people working in entertainment, music and sport.
• Laila Khan, Artist Engagement Specialist at Music Support, who has more than 20 years’ experience in touring, recording and artist relations, and is passionate about advancing representation, inclusion and wellbeing across the industry.
• Shamal Kumal, ED&I Specialist and Trustee at Music Support, whose career has spanned strategic communications, engagement and inclusion across the music and wider creative industries, championing equity, belonging and culturally informed wellbeing.

Together, the panel will share their professional expertise and lived experiences, creating space for an open and honest conversation about identity, culture, mental health and representation within the music industry.

Join the conversation

Whether you’re an artist, freelancer, manager, crew member, industry professional, therapist or simply interested in improving mental health support within music, this event offers an opportunity to hear from experts working to make our industry more inclusive and accessible.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Tuesday 28 July
6:30pm–7:45pm 
Online via Zoom

Reserve your free place here.

We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking discussion as we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month and continue working towards a healthier, more inclusive music industry.