Support Act offers free mental health training to music organisations and labels

Music mental health charity Support Act has announced free mental health training for selected music organisations and labels in Australia.

The free training comes after financial support from the Federal Government’s Office for the Arts. The program will train participants in recognising common mental health issues, providing initial help through an action plan, responding in a crisis situation and seeking appropriate help. The training is provided in partnership with creative mental health training organisation MakeShift.

Staff eligible to receive free mental health must be from APRA AMCOS, ARIA, PPCA, ALMBC, Music Victoria, Music NSW, QMusic, Music SA, Music NT, WAM, MusicTas, Music ACT, Sony Music Australia or Warner Music Australia.

In a statement, CEO Clive Miller said the charity was overwhelmed by the amount of interest shown in the program, with 50 places snapped up in December and roughly another 100 for its first 2021 intake.

“COVID-19 is clearly having a huge impact, and nowhere more so than in the music industry. By providing access to free MHFA training, we believe we can make a major change to the overall mental health and wellbeing of the entire industry,” Miller said.

“Our goal is to provide training to as many people across the industry as possible,” Miller added. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and to help us to really move the needle when it comes to creating a mentally healthy music industry. If you are not one of the organisations listed above, and would like to participate, please contact us.”

Sessions are available in February and March, with registration open now.