It’s Mental Health Awareness Week from 12th – 18th May, with a theme of ‘Community.’

Mental Health Awareness Week is designed to bring the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. The increase in demand across the board to our Support Services tells us that our UK music community is still facing daily challenges in navigating the highs and lows of the industry, from alcohol and anxiety to depression, isolation and burnout. We invite you to enrich your physical and mental health during MHAW (and beyond) by joining our ‘Miles for Mental Health’ initiative in which we challenge you to walk, run, swim, skip, cycle, dance etc the minimum of a half marathon (13.1 miles or approximately 26,200 steps – that’s 1.9 miles or 3,743 steps per day). ** You can choose to go solo or, in the spirit of community, team up with your friends/colleagues/pets etc (tracking your progress together as you go. We recommend Strava or Stepup as good apps to chart your progress as part of a team or simply total up each day on your smartphone or watch and set up a Miles For Mental Health Whatsapp Group to share in – along with your progress and any pics you capture along the way!).

If you would like to make a donation to Music Support as part of your challenge, you will be gifted with a social media image that you can post on your channels to share your support (and help us to spread the word). All funds raised will go towards enabling our dedicated team to continue their crucial efforts in supporting anyone who works in the UK music industry experiencing substance use, addiction and/or mental health challenges.  

** Please do not put yourself under pressure to complete 13.1 miles if you are unable to. Any level of exercise is good for your body and mind so please do what you can.

FIND OUT HOW FUNDS RAISED ARE USED.

READ TESTIMONALS FROM OUR BENEFICIARES.

Physical activity is not only good for your body, but it’s also great for your mind.

Being active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good – boosting your self-esteem and helping you concentrate as well as sleep well and feel better. Not bad for something many of us can do for free!

Being active doesn’t have to mean taking out an expensive gym membership or running marathons. Finding an activity you enjoy can give you a goal to aim for and a sense of purpose. It can also be a great way to meet people, have a break from daily life and gain confidence. Other benefits include:

  • Less tension, stress and mental fatigue
  • A natural energy boost
  • A sense of achievement
  • More focus and motivation
  • Feeling less angry or frustrated
  • A healthy appetite
  • Having fun

It’s even better if you’re able to get active outdoors. Research shows that being in nature can make us feel happier, feel our lives are more worthwhile, and reduce our levels of depression and anxiety. 

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Mental Health Awareness Week.