Tonic Music for Mental Health runs a choir and two programmes.

Learn, rehearse and perform – experience the benefits of communal singing.

Participate, play and perform – connect with others through music.

Bespoke training and support for music industry professionals.

MISSION

Delivering good mental health and recovery through music.

Participation

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We believe that participation in music and the arts can promote and sustain good mental health.

Recovery

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We champion a recovery-based approach for those experiencing poor mental health.

Empowerment

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We believe in empowering people to create healthy environments that promote good mental health.

Inclusivity

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We advocate discussion, education and inclusion as a means to reducing stigma and breaking down barriers.

 What We Do 

Tonic Music for Mental Health is a charity based on the south coast of England. We promote good mental health through music. We already have a proud history and have helped many isolated and vulnerable people in our community.

 Tonic Ska Choir 

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The uplifting Tonic Ska Choir provides opportunities to experience the benefits of communal singing. The choir is an inclusive and welcoming group open to new members of all abilities.

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Communal singing can promote a positive mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Our choir participants build their resilience, self-esteem and confidence through positive risk-taking, accomplishment and artistic expression.

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The Tonic Ska Choir performs at gigs, festivals, rallies and events, as well as recording covers in a professional recording studio. Tap here to get involved and sing covers of famous ska tunes!

 Recovery Through Music 

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The Recovery Through Music programme provides safe and supportive environments for people to come together, learn new skills, get creative, and make new friends.

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The free-to-attend programme comprises a Music Jam and Vocal Groups. We support people both within and outside of mental healthcare services. Tap here to get involved!

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We also collaborate with the NHS and local authorities to provide music workshops further afield. ​Tonic services complement the traditional support provided by public sector mental health services.

 Tonic Rider 

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The innovative Tonic Rider programme promotes good mental health in the music industry by providing bespoke training and support to music industry professionals, both remotely and at venues.

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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.

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Tonic Rider addresses this by providing mental health-related training and support, tailored to the music industry. Our training and support include a Peer Support Group, Mental Health First Aid training, mental health guides, Tonic stands at festivals and events, and various other groups, workshops and courses. Tap here to get involved!

 Tonic Outreach 

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We raise awareness, run campaigns and promote our cause at gigs, festivals and arts-based events. We also perform at these events to showcase the work we do, giving our Tonic community the opportunity to perform in a safe and supportive environment. Much of our outreach work is done in association with artists, bands, venues and event organisers. We have established an excellent reputation within the music industry.

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The Never Mind the Stigma campaign provides pop-up Tonic stands at gigs, festivals and events. We provide information, promote our cause, and raise funds to keep Tonic services free for those in need – we have always excelled at raising funds through grassroots activity. The presence of our stands at events helps to increase awareness, encourage discussion and reduce stigma.

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We sell Tonic-branded merchandise to raise awareness, promote our cause and generate income.

 Opportunities 

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We offer volunteering opportunities, both in-house and at events, providing people with transferable skills that can help them find employment. We also offer student placements.

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We provide fundraising opportunities, including skydiving and wingwalking. Tonic Rider was launched with funds raised at our annual Tonic Rider wingwalking event – Barry’s Flying Circus.

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We give free event tickets to Tonic participants and provide the support needed to help those isolated by mental illness to attend events and connect with their community.

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We support people to produce music by providing access to recording sessions. We also donate instruments to those in need.

 Other activities 

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We provide information, advice and support, often working in partnership with other providers such as the NHS. Where we cannot provide direct support, we offer signposting to the appropriate services. Tonic participants are always welcome into the shop for a hot drink and a chat.

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We participate in music industry discussions about the relationship between music and mental health. We provide education and training at events, conferences and seminars.

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We collect data and undertake research to evaluate the effectiveness of the Tonic project and improve our services. Our methodology is supported by mental health practitioners and academics.

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All of our activity is designed and run from the perspective of both service givers and service users, and so is considerate of the needs of everyone involved.

We strive for an inclusive world where those experiencing poor mental health have the hope, support and respect they deserve.