Peer Support Groups

IVC have partnered with Tonic Rider and Help Musicians UK to deliver free, open Peer Support Groups for music industry professionals.

Many people working in the music industry experience mental health issues. They can be brought on by the highs and the lows, the touring, the late nights, and the lifestyle. The industry can be volatile and competitive, with no financial security. This leaves music industry professionals vulnerable to developing mental health issues. Tonic Rider addresses this by providing music industry-specific mental health support. 

For each Peer Support Group, approximately 12 participants meet online, once a week, for 6 weeks, for 90 minute sessions facilitated by a Psychotherapist. Topics are not prescribed, so sessions can be tailored to cover what the particular group wants through open conversation.

Peer Support Groups have taken place online for those in Scotland and in-person for those in Yorkshire, at Oporto in Leeds. At the end of the PSG in Leeds, 100% of participants agreed that sharing their experiences with other music industry professionals had a positive effect on my wellbeing.

More groups around the UK will be announced soon.

FROM THE PARTICIPANTS

'Relaxed environment, comfortable space to speak openly about personal experiences.'

'Just love the authenticity and sharing space and that our facilitator really knows how to hold space for healing. The way everyone is showing up is beautiful and is allowing me to let go of things I’ve held onto a long time.'

'The space created by the attendees and the facilitator felt completely safe. I hadn't expected everyone to be as open as they were but it created a supportive environment.'

'I liked the regularity of the in person meeting. It helped break up my own schedule and forced me to be present for the sessions.'

'I found the sessions extremely helpful and I'm glad I did them. I would recommend them to anyone to try.'

FROM THE PARTNERS

'The Tonic Rider peer support group will be a free, safe space for the music industry and professional musicians to be heard and supported. From my own experience and clinical training I am aware of the huge benefit of being validated in a shared community. The current pandemic has crushed the music industry and the subsequent mental health of many professional musicians. I feel privileged in being able to give something back to both musicians and the music industry facilitating this group.'

'From a facilitator perspective, it was a genuine delight to be part of an experience that defied expectations and allowed for a very natural group dynamic to emerge. As we parted company after six weeks, there was group consensus that none of us had expected how each session would evolve to create a collective experience of being safely held, respected and heard. Egos were left at the door and instead we listened, supported and congratulated one another on the insights and wins of each week. Sometimes there were no wins so we were afforded the chance to offer understanding and thoughtful support when someone experienced a challenging week.'