Author: Nick Dann, Production Coordinator at The Fair.
This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 and the theme is #ToHelpMyAnxiety, if you want to learn more about anxiety then I recommend checking out the Mind website as a great starting point – they even have some handy self-care tips if you’re struggling with anxiety.
Below I’ve outlined some great organisations in the industry who are making it a richer place to work, leaving you inspired and wanting to make the world a better place!
1. Connection Crew
As an industry that can be difficult to access for a myriad of reasons, Connection Crew are creating opportunities for individuals at risk of or living with experience of homelessness, by providing both training and employment opportunities.
Add in the fact they’re aiming to reach net zero by 2030, Connection are a champion social enterprise who are succeeding commercially as a result of seeking social progress. On site, you’ll find their team bringing solid know-how and a positive attitude to whatever comes their way.
Read about Connection Crew’s 10 years of social impact.
2. Tonic Rider
Champions of mental health action, Tonic Rider first crossed my path at the NTIA Night Time Economy Summit back in February where they hosted a panel exploring the strength to be found in peer support in the music industry (woo peer support!). Approaching the discussion from a variety of backgrounds, I was inspired by the unanimous warmth the panellists had towards the Tonic Rider Peer Support Group – inspired, I explored what other good work Tonic Rider were doing…
Come March, I found myself enrolled on a Mental Health First Aid training course and was encouraged by the range of people who’d also signed up to the course: tour managers and musicians, music teachers, event producers, venue operators and music therapists. Across the industry, mental health is being recognised as a pressing issue. It’s reassuring to see people educate and equip themselves with the tools to look after themselves and their peers.
Why not check out the good work that Tonic Rider do here?
3. Attitude is Everything
Epitomising “nothing about us without us,” Attitude is Everything have been breaking down barriers that disabled people face in the music industry for 22 years. Whether it’s educating industry professionals through disability-led learning, writing guides to improve access for disabled audiences or making workplaces more accessible through their Accessible Employment Guide, Attitude is Everything’s multi-pronged approach has made them leaders in their field.
Music, and the spaces it exists in, are key pillars of a healthy life that we all have a right to access – Attitude is Everything are succeeding in making spaces (from employers to venues) accessible to all.
4. The Welfare Lot
Beyond their wavy infographics on Instagram, The Welfare Lot use their years of event-industry-experience to work with event producers, security and medical professionals to provide bespoke welfare services in the event industry.
We all need a time out every now and again, sometimes that’s deciding to stay in this Saturday but sometimes it’s on day 3 of a 5-day festival. The Welfare Lot’s trained staff can support guests when they’re out having fun: whether that’s intoxicated individuals, victims of crime or someone who just fancies a cuppa amongst the madness…
Give them a shout and see how they can help on your next show.
Nicky D focuses on how events might unfold at shows and plans accordingly – teaming up with innovative suppliers, troubleshooting schedules and finding the very best venues.
In 2023, you’ll find him at our Boiler Room shows, and RecFest.
