RECOVERY THROUGH MUSIC
OUR STORY
Tonic Music for Mental Health is a charity based on the south coast of England. We raise mental health awareness, challenge stigma and promote mental wellbeing through music and the arts. We already have a proud history and have helped many isolated and vulnerable people in our community.
Tonic was founded in 2012 as a direct response to the lack of creative support for people experiencing mental health difficulties. It was founded upon the belief that participation in music and the arts can aid you in your recovery from mental illness.
Our first event was at Portsmouth Pyramids Centre. It included four stages of live music with over 50 local and nationally recognised performers. A year later we organised our second all day event to a capacity crowd of 1500, headlined by Dub Pistols and Terry Hall. These events were followed by four gigs at the 100 Club in London.
From our early beginnings promoting mental health awareness, we now champion mental health action. By providing opportunities for people to participate in music and the arts, we directly support them on their journeys of recovery.
Tonic has two choirs – the uplifting Tonic Ska Choir and the invigorating Tonic Punk Choir. The Tonic Ska Choir was funded by The Specials through their 2019 Encore album launch at the 100 Club and the tour that followed. Our choirs perform at gigs, festivals, rallies and events.
Tonic also runs creative workshops, including vocals, guitar, bass, art & craft, creative writing and performance anxiety. All of these services are provided free of charge and have helped many people in their recovery from mental illness.
We have tried to create a home for those who don’t feel they belong in the mainstream. We do this by focusing on music subcultures, such as ska, punk and rock. But don’t worry – you don’t need to be a punk or a rude boy to get involved. Everyone’s welcome.
In 2021, we launched the Tonic Rider – an innovative new programme promoting good mental health in the music industry. The Tonic Rider provides mental health support both remotely and at venues, including training, mental health guides, peer support and Tonic stands at events.
Tonic is looking to expand its operations. The centrepiece of this expansion will be moving Tonic HQ to larger premises so we can grow the Tonic community. Our services will be increased to include greater support, such as one-to-one counselling, and we hope to offer further workshops and choirs, taking on more staff and volunteers in the process.
RECOVERY THROUGH MUSIC
MISSION
Our mission is to raise mental health awareness, challenge stigma and promote mental wellbeing through music and the arts.
OUR VALUES
We believe that participation in music and the arts can promote and sustain the mental wellbeing of everyone involved.
VISION
We strive for a world where people suffering from mental illness are no longer marginalised – an inclusive and just world, where people suffering from mental illness have the hope, support and respect they deserve.
We strive for a future where those facing adversity through mental illness feel safe and supported – a future where we have the services needed to achieve good mental health and emotional wellbeing for all.
We see an opportunity to achieve this.
By providing non-clinical community environments in which people can find purpose and a sense of belonging, we can support people in their recovery from mental illness.
By normalising the participation of people suffering from mental illness, we can break the stigma and create a kind and inclusive society.
By promoting mental wellbeing through music and the arts, we can give people the hope, support and respect they deserve.
