We are very proud to have launched Tonic Rider – a new programme promoting good mental health in the music industry.
Tonic Rider is a new programme to promote good mental health in the
music industry, providing mental health support both remotely and at venues.
Tonic Rider provides mental health guides, training and support:
Mental health guides are being written by a team of mental health professionals in consultation with contacts in the music industry. They will cover topics such as anxiety, depression and the pressures of the music industry.
Training will include Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Suicide Prevention training, provided free to grassroots venues - MHFA training provides the skills needed to recognise and support someone experiencing mental health difficulties.
Support will include Tonic stands at events, videos, blogs, podcasts, a virtual peer support group, and email support provided by mental health professionals. All of these services will be free.
Many people working in the music industry suffer from 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 people vulnerable to developing mental health issues. Tonic Rider aims to address this by providing music industry-specific mental health support. Tonic fundraiser Bez from Happy Mondays said: ‘Everyone going through life suffers highs and lows, and when you’re at one of those low points, it’s good to know that there’s a bit of support out there for you.’
Adam Ficek, Babyshambles drummer, will be using his experience to help deliver Tonic Rider: ‘I look forward to using my own experiences as a musician and psychotherapist to develop a much-needed resource for everyone in the music industry.’
Tonic Rider is being piloted at the 100 Club in London and the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, before being rolled out to green rooms, festivals and Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) members across the UK. The aim is to include Tonic Rider resources on all rider lists and wall posters. Barry Ashworth, Tonic patron and Dub Pistols frontman, whose fundraising helped launch Tonic Rider, said: ‘With the music industry on its knees and many people having lost their livelihoods, it is needed now more than ever.’
Please visit our Tonic Rider webpage to find out more and download free resources:
You can register your interest in Tonic Rider by emailing: