BRIT Trust Diaries: Georgina Levers Angell on 'unprecedented demand' for Music Support's services

Music Support's Head of Support Services, Georgina Levers Angell, reflects on how the increasing demand for its substance use, addiction, and mental health services has led to an essential and groundbreaking restructure of how these services are delivered.

Since 2021, I've had the privilege of leading the development and delivery of Music Support's frontline services. Over this time, we've supported the UK music community through unprecedented challenges, including a global pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis, which have forced many to leave the industry they are so passionate about.

Today, I’m proud to share this major announcement via the BRIT Trust Diaries. Since our founding in 2016, the BRIT Trust has not only funded but championed Music Support, standing with us as one of our earliest and vital supporters throughout our journey. Their ongoing commitment reflects a shared vision: to empower individuals across the music industry to navigate its challenges and reach their full potential.

A Growing Demand Driving Essential Change

In 2024, Music Support experienced its busiest year to date, with a 51% increase in demand for our Support Services. While this surge highlights the growing challenges faced by industry professionals, it also reflects a positive shift: increased awareness and a growing willingness to seek help are becoming more common.

The statistics from our 2024 festival season wellbeing survey underscore this urgent need:

• 26% acknowledged having drug and/or alcohol problems (up from 19% in 2023)

• 76% reported feeling "down or depressed" (up from 75%)

• 69% said they suffered from "low self-confidence" (up from 63%)

• 21% experienced suicidal thoughts within the previous 12 months (up from 18%)

These figures have been the catalyst for an exciting and essential restructuring of our services, ensuring we can meet this unprecedented demand with clinical-grade support, and that no one is left behind, regardless of their role or the severity of their challenges.

Our groundbreaking new stepped care model, backed by NHS principles, offers four distinct levels of support, from low-level preventative care through to support for individuals with more complex needs.

This elevated level of clinical-grade service provision represents an incredible evolution from our early days. What began as a small group of committed individuals answering calls has transformed into a comprehensive, professionally structured support system that our founders could only have dreamed of, while still retaining our unique “by the industry, for the industry” ethos.

Music Support is now the only mental health charity in the UK music industry where all members of the Support Services team are fully qualified BACP counsellors. Our support services are delivered by in-house psychotherapists and highly skilled support staff with over 30 years’ combined experience of working in the music industry. Like much of our core team and Trustees, each counsellor brings lived experience of working in the music industry, giving them a deep, authentic understanding of its unique highs and lows.

We also have strong referral pathways and are supported by clinical advice from our partner BAPAM, the medical charity for the music industry, alongside connections to clinical specialists, detox units, and residential treatment facilities.

Comprehensive Services Meeting Every Need

Our comprehensive services now include:

• A confidential helpline (0800 030 6789)

• Professional assessments and treatment

• Complementary in-house counselling services provided by qualified and trainee BACP and UKCP-registered & accredited counsellors

• Weekly support calls facilitated by qualified counsellors, available for beneficiaries as well as for the family and friends of those affected

• Brief Interventions

• Mental Health First Aid training (with over 900 individuals trained, including a 24% increase in 2024 alone)

• Festival Safe Hubs

• Recovery Support Groups

• Continuation of aftercare post treatment

• Advocacy support and help sourcing funding for treatment

We are also the only charity in the sector offering dedicated support to family and friends of industry professionals, recognising that mental health and addiction challenges affect entire ecosystems. Thanks to the generous support of the Christopher Meredith Foundation, we've launched The Ripple Effect, a free workshop designed to help individuals better understand addiction and support loved ones.

Safe Hubs: Growing Impact

Our Safe Hubs provide a dedicated backstage space at UK festivals and events for anyone working on-site. The 2025 season has been our busiest yet, with more people than ever engaging with Music Support. What's particularly heartening is the connection between our Safe Hubs and our wider core services.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Music Community

It's no coincidence that demand for Music Support's services continues to grow as stigmas around mental health and addiction begin to break down. Over the past three years, our core team has doubled to meet this growing need. With that growth comes increased responsibility and an urgent need for funding to ensure we can continue delivering our life-changing work across the UK music community.

Having worked in the music industry for over 12 years, I understand how rewarding yet demanding it can be, and the delicate balance required to maintain mental and physical well-being. The restructuring of our services represents not just a response to increased demand, but an exciting evolution in how we can support our community.

We are eternally grateful to the BRIT Trust for their early belief and support; we look to the future with hope and determination. We remain steadfast in our mission to create a healthier, more supportive music community. Together, we can ensure that no one in the industry has to face their challenges alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, support is available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Music Support’s Helpline on 0800 030 6789 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, with 24/7 callback booking available), or contact Samaritans at 116 123 — free and confidential, 24/7.

About Music Support

Music Support is a registered charity founded in 2016 by people from the UK music industry for people who work in the industry. We provide help and support to anyone experiencing challenges with substance use, addiction and/or mental health challenges, alongside their family and friends. For more information, visit www.musicsupport.org.

Helpline Information:
Music Support Helpline: 0800 030 6789
(Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, 24/7 callback booking available)
Email: [email protected]