Early Findings From Our Mental Health Survey of Event Organisers and Venue Managers

To mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ve taken a moment to pause, to analyse some of the results already gathered in our landmark year-long mental health survey. 

For those who may not be familiar with the study, allow us to provide some insight into the initiative.

Background on our latest Mental Health survey

Launched at the beginning of April, as a follow-up to an industry-first study conducted back in 2018, our latest survey has been devised to explore the new challenges facing the event organising community in the wake of the pandemic and amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Venue proprietors and promoters of gigs, club events, and festivals in particular are the focus of the study, and we’re actively urging anyone and everyone who falls into these categories to participate and share their experiences. In return, Skiddle, and the numerous partners of the study, will examine the data closely, to ascertain the regions most in need of support, ensuring resources are delegated accordingly.

Giving their endorsement to the initiative is a list of prominent mental health charities and ambassadors the likes of Music Minds Matter/ Help Musicians, Music Support, Manchester’s Headstock, Bristol Nights, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the Association for Independent Festivals (AIF), the Association for Independent Promoters (AIP), the Association of Electronic Music (AFEM), the Music Venue Trust (MVT) and newly added partners, Blue Rhythm, an organisation that specialises in helping creatives work through a diverse range of mental health challenges.

Early Findings

Initial results from the study paint a bleak picture regarding the mental health of industry professionals in the UK at present, made worse by several contributing factors.

When prompted about their financial security, more than a third of respondents expressed disagreement, while 28% reported that work-related stress had led to issues with substance misuse.

An alarming 50% also disclosed experiencing bouts of poor mental health stemming from their profession, with 30% admitting to being unaware of avenues for accessing mental health support tailored to the music industry.

It’s these statistics that underscore the critical necessity of the ongoing study.

Commenting on these insights, our Head of Festivals and Partnerships at Skiddle, Duncan King, said:

“The preliminary findings from the study depict a rather grim landscape when concerning the mental well-being of professionals operating within the event sector. We’re acutely aware of the numerous challenges stacked against the community at present and this data further solidifies the need for additional support and resources from the wider industry.

During Mental Health Awareness Week especially, we’re urging organisers of events, venue managers and proprietors to get involved and share their experiences in our survey. Your input will enable us to bring about new avenues for support, allowing us to assist those most in need, improving the state of mental health in the UK for all.”

How you can help

To assist us and our partners in improving the level of support accessible to event professionals across the UK, please give five minutes of your time to share your personal experiences in our short survey today.

Whilst helping us pinpoint the areas in the greatest need of assistance, your anonymous results will also help us to understand how best we can support your needs, whether through producing detailed guides or webinars, one-on-one meetings or tutorials.

For anyone struggling to cope with their mental well-being and needing support, text the word ‘MUSIC’ to 85258 to receive free and confidential support, 24/7.