We’re taking part in the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge

Between Tuesday 29 November and Tuesday 6 December we are taking part in the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge, a national fundraising campaign where every donation made is doubled. 

£5,500 has already been pledged to Help Musicians for the campaign. Our goal for the challenge week is to double it. Money raised will provide vital funds for Music Minds Matter, our dedicated mental health service.

2022 continues to be a challenging year for the majority of musicians, and while the festive season is a joyful time for most, there is no doubt that winter this year will also bring unique difficulties for so many musicians across the U.K.

Our recent survey revealed the combination of issues musicians are contending with is leading to low and unpredictable earnings, which has in turn taken a toll on mental health. Most musicians’ financial reserves were drained by the pandemic and debt is now a key worry. Sadly, almost half of the musicians who responded said that they were considering leaving the music industry.

These ongoing difficulties are causing an intense strain and psychological burden for many in the music industry and this year we have seen rising numbers of people turning to Music Minds Matter for support. 

We have funded nearly 1,600 hours of counselling in the last three months alone, and we expect the cost of running Music Minds Matter will reach £1 million for the first time this year. 

To meet this increase in costs we need to spend an additional £300,000 more than our allocated funds this year to ensure we can reach those who need our help right now. 

The Big Give Christmas Challenge will help us to reach part of this goal.

During the challenge every donation made online will be matched by the Bryan Adams Foundation and the Reed Foundation. 

For every £1 donated by our supporters, musicians will receive £2.

But we can’t unlock our matched funding unless we reach our £5,500 target and we need your help to get there.

Donate between 12 noon on Tuesday 29 November and 12 noon on Tuesday 6 December to help us hit our target and ensure that we reach our goal.