The New Zealand Music Foundation Has Launched a Much-Needed Wellbeing Service
Bravo.
The music of our fair nation has always been there when we need it the most; in times of celebration, sadness and even when we're looking to burn one out on the dance floor. But when you boil it down, the community behind our melodic language are experiencing health and wellbeing issues at incidence rates far in excess of the general population.
A survey conducted with over 1350 participants in July showed that songwriters, composers and performers report having attempted suicide at a rate more than double of the general population, over a third report have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and they are two and a half times more likely to have been diagnosed with depression than the general population.
The positive side of those numbers is that nearly two-thirds of those surveyed reported they would be likely to contact a service if they were experiencing difficulty.
Launched in 2012, the New Zealand Music Foundation provides support to members of the local music industry in times of illness, distress and hardship. With their finger squarely on the pulse of the industry, they've now introduced a dedicated Wellbeing Service for musicians and the community behind them.
Like already established initiatives Lifeline, Youthline and What's Up, the service offers 24-hour online, on the phone and in-person counselling. It is specifically tailored to the music community, providing support for those who are experiencing emotional, physical and mental health challenges.
It is available free of charge to anyone working in the New Zealand music industry unable to access help due to hardship or other circumstances, and is staffed by registered professionals with experience in providing support to creative people. Bravo.
The New Zealand Music Foundation Wellbeing Service can be accessed online here, via email here, or by telephone on 0508 MUSICHELP.
Those outside of the music community experiencing difficulty can reach out to Lifeline, What's Up and Youthline.
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