Label Worx

UK trade body the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has partnered with Music Support to offer its members discounted training in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

Music Support is a peer-led music industry charity that provides confidential mental health and addiction services.

The partnership was announced today (November 7) at the AIF's 2019 Festival Congress.

The AIF, which represents independent festivals across the UK, is part of a 10-strong music industry collective offering mental health training across a broad spectrum of the music and touring industries.

Through the partnership, Music Support will be a preferred provider, offering discounted MHFA training to AIF members.

MHFA England is the only organization in England permitted to provide Mental Health First Aider Instructor Training licensed by Mental Health First Aid International, the global community that has trained over 3 million people worldwide, and over 400,000 in England.

There will be various courses available including 'First Aider' (two-day course), 'Champion' (one-day course) and 'Aware' (four-hour course).

Training is open to all music industry professionals and income generated from courses will go towards current and future services supporting people affected by mental health and addiction issues.

Music Support was the charity partner for the UK-focused A&R Awards in association with Abbey Road Studios, which were presented by MBW in London on Tuesday, November 5.

'WE'D LIKE THIS INITIATIVE TO BE AN INDUSTRY WIDE ADOPTION OF GOOD PRACTICE WHICH WILL IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND THE INDUSTRY'S CAPACITY TO PREVENT AND RESPOND.'
ERIC MTUNGWAZI, MUSIC SUPPORT

Music Support MD, Eric Mtungwazi said: 'MHFA training is becoming a priority for businesses across many industries and sectors, both nationally and internationally.

'We've received a lot of support and encouragement from partners about the prospect of Music Support delivering MHFA. MHFA England is currently campaigning for the Government to put mental and physical health on an even footing.

'This is gaining traction from politicians and is likely to become an area of statutory responsibility for employers in the future. Now is time for our industry to get in ahead of the curve.

'We'd like this initiative to be an industry wide adoption of good practice which will improve mental health literacy and the industry's capacity to prevent and respond.'

AIF CEO Paul Reed said: 'Part of AIF's remit is to provide its members with the resources and expertise they need to improve and maintain the safety and wellbeing of both staff and customers at their events.'

'Mental health is obviously a vital part of that, and we're pleased to be partnering with Music Support, alongside a number of other great music industry organisations, to give AIF promoters access to great training in this area.'