#107 7 Charities and Organisations that are Supporting People in Music
There’s no denying that the last year has been tough! Thankfully there are some incredible organisations and charities out there that are dedicated to supporting people within the music industry. Whether you are simply looking to donate your pounds and pennies to a good cause, or need a little support yourself, here are a list of things to check out…some of which have dedicated people on the other end of the phone 24/7 if you are in a moment of need.
MusiCares
MusiCares is non profit charity that was established by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, providing fiancial, medical and personal aid to those within the music industry since 1989. Running for over 30 years, their mission is to help professionals in uncertain positions by offering medical and personal relief alongside raising finances. They have contributed more than $48 million to supporting artists in need, more recently holding a particular focus on providing essential aid to those who have struggled during Covid-19. Their help is distributed with an emphasis on three key areas: Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services, Health Services (financial assistance during medical crises) and Human Services (support for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, alongside programmes that address housing affordability, career development and legal issues).
Musicians on Call
An incredibly special organisation that offers musical programmes to those in care or who are suffering. Their belief is that music is healing; it can shape people’s outlook and help ease pain in times of need. Musicians on Call was founded by Michael Solomon and Vivek Tiwary who have been working in this area of care for over 20 years. Solomon and Tiwary’s goal is to change the “cold, sterile environment in hospital rooms”. They have found that bringing music into a hospital environment has demonstrated beneficial breakthroughs that include having a positive effect on patients’ blood pressure, significant improvements on patient’s moods and outlooks, it has helped them to manage stress, alleviate and improve the tolerance of pain.
Find out more about what they’re up to
Our Music my Body
This project is a collaboration of Between Friends and Resilience who aim to create fun and consensual experiences for all within the context of musical events. They work with venue staff, musicians and fans to ensure a safe environment for all. Between Friends are a non profit organisation that run a 24 hour helpline offering counselling, legal assistance with a goal of eradicating abuse and domestic violence. Resilience also offer support to those who are victims of sexual violence through means of legal and medical advice, therapy and intervention. Their support extends to educational programmes and trainings which are free to survivors and family members of survivors.
The MIDI Music Company
This one’s a little closer to home; The Midi Music Company is a free talent development programme that offers careers advice and assistance to emerging artists and young industry professionals aged 16 to 30. Founded in 1995 by Wozzy Brewster (OBE, FRSA), their base is situated in Deptford (South East London). They boast a fantastic selection of courses, projects and development programmes as well as offer great facilities that include a ProTools recording studio, rehearsal spaces and a performance hall. Their expertise extends across Music and Management, Film and Theatre, TV and Dance, Visual Arts and Events.
To sign up to donate check out their website
Notes for Notes® (N4N®)
Founded in Santa Barbara, Notes for Notes sought out to address the lack of funding and access to contemporary musical equipment in schools. Their strong advisory board includes Slash, Joe Bonamassa, Tina Guo, Jeff Bridges … amongst many more. They maintain a vision of creating opportunities for young musicians in order to allow them to express their true potential and explore their artistry. They have provided thousands of young people access to high quality recording equipment and instruments as well as cultivated positive relationships with studios across 11 states. N4N See themselves as a ‘gateway’ “that empowers young musicians to realize their identity.”
Check out what they’ve been up to
The Cat’s Mother
Founded by Niki Evangelou and Natalie Wade in November 2019, The Cat’s Mother is a network of established women from both the music and creative industry. As specialists in the creative field, they hope to help pave the way for aspiring females aged 18-25 and aid them in their career progression. The Cat’s Mother have curated a ‘bank’ of volunteers that have each committed to offering 30 minute consultancy session. The aim is to create a ‘match making service’; for example if you need help with PR, they will pair you with an expert in the PR Field, or perhaps you simply need a little branding advice…Once they have figured out the direction you are headed, they will set you up with a 1 to 1 conversation to discuss your needs further.
Help Musicians
One of the largest independent UK Charities for musicians, Help Musicians was started in 2021 and aspires to offer aid to musicians of any genre or age; emerging, professional or retired. They offer a helpline Monday - Friday from 9am to 5:30pm as well as a dedicate mental health service (Music Minds Matter) 24/7. Help Musicians’ belief is that the music industry is an incredibly difficult business to crack, a journey that in many ways is never ending. They maintain the position that it vital for musicians to have access to positive support no matter where they are in their career.
For more information
We can’t stress enough that looking after yourself and your mental health is so important; the music industry is tough, and there are times when we all need picking. If you would like any further advice on your career direction or you are picking things up again and are not sure where to get started, we also host a safe space to discuss anything that is on your mind - email us at info@laidbaremusic.com
