Music Support marks 10 years of life-changing support for the industry

Today marks the 10th anniversary of Music Support, celebrating a decade of vital work supporting people across the UK music industry facing mental health, substance use and addiction challenges.

Founded on 16th April 2016 by four individuals who’d each built successful careers in the music industry, but who had simultaneously been battling mental health and addiction problems, the group shared a common determination to create meaningful change for others in similar situations. In its earliest days, Music Support was little more than a handful of compassionate people and a single mobile phone so that anyone in need would have someone to call.

Music Support was established “by the industry, for the industry,” offering confidential, peer-led support to those who need it most. A decade on, its core mission is as vital as it ever was. As Andy Franks, one of the organisation’s Co-Founders reflects:

“After a chance meeting at a North London rehearsal studio late 2015, four music-based individuals from different backgrounds decided it was time to step up and do something. Over the next few months and many cups of coffee in various cafes around King’s Cross, it was decided to push the button. On 16th April, the helpline went live and Music Support was launched, and from that humble beginning we are here today. 10 years on, and thousands of people’s lives would be changed forever.”
Andy Franks Co-Founder

Through services including a confidential helpline, counselling, training and festival Safe Hubs, Music Support continues to provide a lifeline to those working across music and live events, enabling them to regain their health, rebuild careers and rediscover hope, while also driving a wider cultural shift in how the industry understands and responds to mental health and addiction.

A decade on, Music Support’s founding ethos is resolute – no one in music has to struggle alone.