Our very own Senior Learning and Development Specialist, Norman Beecher, recently travelled to Manchester to spend two days training the Warehouse Project team to become Mental Health First Aiders
The Warehouse project is an iconic series of club nights in Manchester, known for its eclectic mix of music genres and large-scale events so the team are acutely aware of the highs and lows of working within the UK music industry.
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course explores a range of topics including depression, anxiety, suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, alcohol and drugs. It teaches learners how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. Whilst it won’t teach you to be a therapist, it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and even potentially stop a crisis from happening in the first place.
Event Freelancer, Danielle Blackledge, who was a part of the Warehouse Project group, said:
“The industry is known for being intense with its long hours, constant travel and high demands, all which can take a significant toll on mental wellbeing. With the summer season coming up it’s important to make sure you’re looking after your own mental health and checking in with friends and colleagues. I can only recommend this course to everyone; it’s definitely an important step towards being better equipped to support those around us when it comes to mental health”.
Music Support recently partnered with MHFA England to repurpose the case study films used within the MHFA course to place them in settings more akin to a music industry audience with a cast who represent a variety of roles both on stage and behind the scenes. Read more about this first-of-its-kind initiative here.
Of training the Warehouse Project team, Norman said, “In an industry where high demands are often the norm, this group of amazing humans stood out for their genuine commitment to creating a culture of care. Their engagement with Mental Health First Aid reflects a powerful dedication to supporting the wellbeing of industry peers.”
Tom Booth, Logistics and Partnerships Executive for The Warehouse Project, said of being a part of the group,
“Over the two days, we were guided through a hugely important subject with empathy, clarity and real understanding. The atmosphere during the training was welcoming and open, creating a safe space where we all felt comfortable to ask questions and share experiences. The course helped us develop practical skills to support those around us — not just in our workplaces, but in all areas of our lives. We now feel more confident having conversations about mental health in a way that is sensitive and supportive.
Thank you for providing us with the tools and confidence to be better colleagues, friends and leaders who promote positive mental health. We are proud to have completed this training and to carry the knowledge and skills forward into our teams and workplaces.
On behalf of The Warehouse Project, we wish to say a heartfelt thank you to Norman and the team for delivering our Mental Health First Aider course.”
We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to Tom, Danielle and the rest of their team for their enthusiasm for the training and sharing their experience with us.
It costs £325 per delegate to become a Mental Health First Aider with Music Support. Find out more along with available dates here.
Read testimonials of those who have completed the training with us here.
If you have any questions or would like to register for the MHFA course, please contact learning@musicsupport.org. Please note we are able to offer training either virtually via Zoom or in person (with the latter option requiring a group booking of a minimum of eight and maximum of 12 people)