Mental Health Week

Support Act and Levi’s launch powerful new video series to raise awareness of the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline

Finding new ways to improve mental health outcomes for musicians has been a high priority since a ground-breaking 2015 study returned the alarming statistics that people working in the entertainment industry were twice as likely to commit suicide, five times more likely to suffer from depression and ten times more likely to experience anxiety than the general population.

Long hours, low income, job insecurity and prolonged separation from friends and family are among the many factors that drain artists physical and emotion reserves. Constant travel and unsociable hours can also make it difficult to know where to seek help. In response to these critical issues music charity Support Act recently partnered with Levi’s and Alberts (through the Tony Foundation) to launch the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline for artists and music workers. This year they have taken things a step further with the creation of “Tune Ups: Mindfulness tips for musos and more”, a powerful new video series designed to raise awareness of the free 24/7 helpline.

“We are very grateful to Nicky Rowsell and Levi’s for being the driving force behind the campaign” said Clive Miller, CEO Support Act. Miller hopes that “Tune Ups highlights how important it is for us all to be aware of our mental health” and that it “inspires anyone who may be doing it tough to know that they are not alone”.

Produced by youth media company, VICE, to coincide with Mental Health Week, the series features practical advice from rapper Briggs, DZ Deathrays manager Maggie Collins, the Amity Affliction’s Joel Birch, Select Music’s Stephen Wade, singer-songwriter Alex the Astronaut and stage manager Cam Batten who all have their own unique ways of caring for their mental health and wellbeing. 

Former roadie and current festival stage manager, Cam Batten knows that when things get full-on it’s time to head to the nearest botanic garden to pursue his love of native plants.

“A few years ago if you had a problem you would sort it out yourself. I’m stoked that you don’t do that now. Men can actually sit down now and go, you know what? I’ve got a problem, That’s good”.

So get around this project. Share the videos with your friends and colleagues and let them know that they are not alone. All six "Tune Ups" videos will be featured on VICE Music's channel, Noisey and on the Support Act homepage.

The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 counselling service available to anyone working in Australian music who needs to talk to someone about any aspect of their wellbeing.

To access the service call 1800 959 500 or head to supportact.org.au for further information.