The Orielles' drummer Sidonie Hand-Halford is the latest music industry worker to become trained in vital Mental Health First Aid by The Mind Map. And now the Liverpool based mental health organisation is preparing to train staff at music venues across England in partnership with Help Musicians UK on 24 and 25 April 2019.
Sidonie, whose band is signed to Heavenly Records, said: "I meet and work with a lot of people on tour who struggle with their mental health. In the past, I might have waited for them to approach me, but now I'd have more confidence to reach out."
Developed by MHFA England, the one day course Sidonie attended has qualified her as a mental health first aid champion with an understanding of common mental health illnesses and the confidence to promote mental health awareness. Experiencing a series of presentations and workshops, Sid gained the ability to spot signs of mental ill health and the skills to support positive wellbeing for herself and others.
The Mind Map was founded in 2018 by editor and Mental Health First Aid instructor Phil Bridges.
Phil said: “In addition to conversations with creatives and sports stars about how they stay mentally well, The Mind Map offers our online visitors access to professional help. Our find help functionality means young people can find everything from mental health services, to groups, workshops and money advice.
“Having interviewed acts including Blossoms, Sleaford Mods and The Big Moon, it’s great to now be providing training to bands and venues. We’re looking forward to partnering with Help Musicians on 24 and 25 April to train staff at twelve music venues from across the UK.”
He continued: “Facilitating bands talking about their challenges and how they stay mentally well sends out a positive message to young people that we all have mental health. We wish to contribute to a culture where mental health has parity with physical health - where every young person has access to support if they need it.”
www.themindmap.co.uk