Tramlines to host Music Support Safe Hub!
We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries to host a fully-funded Safe Hub throughout the 2024 edition of Tramlines at Hillsborough Park, provided by Music Support.
The facilities have been made possible by a partnership between AIF, Music Support and The Christopher Meredith Foundation, with AIF members having been able to apply for a fully-funded Safe Hub set up at the end of last year.
Tramlines and We Out Here were announced as the successful recipients at AIF’s Festival Congress, which took place in Bristol on Thursday 1st February.
Music Support’s Safe Hubs are hosted backstage at music festivals across the country to address particular needs that can arise on tour and specifically in the festival environment. The Hubs provide a safe space for artists and crew to speak confidentially to a fully trained and qualified staff member or volunteer about anything they may be experiencing, or to seek advice about clinical signposting for themselves or others.
Tramlines will be provided with four members of Music Support staff, trained to deal with issues of mental health, first aid, addiction and recovery awareness, and self-care.
“The Safe Hub will be a valuable asset to Tramlines in 2024, benefitting not only artists and crew who are on the road for months at a time but also those who are taking their first steps in the industry. When you’re navigating the chaos of a busy environment, having a dedicated space where you know you can find support, resources, and a community that cares about your mental and physical health makes all the difference. We’re delighted to be able to further advance our backstage accessibility and safeguarding provisions through this partnership while promoting the services that Music Support has to offer industry-wide.” Pia Rose Scattergood, Junior Event Producer at Tramlines
Founded in 2016, Music Support is a registered UK charity that helps peers who work in music and live events affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction.
In 2023, Music Support carried out an anonymous online wellbeing survey as part of their Safe Hub activity with feedback from both artists and crew. 75% of people claimed to have felt “down or depressed” in the last 12 months with 63% suffering “low self-confidence.” A worrying 18% of respondents said they had “experienced suicidal thoughts”, with 84% saying they felt there wasn’t enough support available in music and live events for people with mental health and/or addiction problems.
The Christopher Meredith Foundation partners with carefully selected, specialist charities and organisations within the music industry delivering critical services to those facing mental health challenges.
The Association of Independent Festivals is the UK’s leading national not for profit festival trade association representing the interests of 101 UK music festivals, ranging from 500 to 80,000 capacity. Its annual Festival Congress is the sector’s flagship event, uniting, empowering and supporting independent festival promoters and connected businesses.
The Safe Hub initiative aligns with our commitment to accessibility and safeguarding at the event, for everyone who walks through our gates. We are proud to continue to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone that attends Tramlines Festival, especially this year alongside Music Support. The wellbeing of the team, contractors, suppliers, artists and customers is paramount to us and is fundamental to the success of Tramlines Festival, this added resource sets a fantastic and important industry precedent to prioritise everyone’s health and wellbeing whilst attending a music festival.
