​Mental health fund launched by Universal Music Group and Music Health Alliance

Universal Music Group (UMG) and non-profit healthcare organisation Music Health Alliance have announced the launch of a new mental health fund for music industry professionals.

The Music Industry Mental Health Fund promises to provide both current and former industry workers with “comprehensive, high-quality" outpatient mental health resources.

The scheme was announced last week by UMG and MHA, which builds on a joint healthcare access programme launched by both companies some four years ago.

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“We have been working on ways to establish a streamlined pathway for mental health access, funding, and care planning,” says UMG’s Chief Impact Officer, Susan Mazo.

“Growing and continuing our partnership with Tatum and the Music Health Alliance was the most natural way to ensure continuous and effective mental health support for anyone working in our industry.”

The partnership will provide music industry professionals with access to mental health services, including “individualised recommendations” for mental health counsellors, as well as grants to help cover costs.

If required, the Music Industry Mental Health Fund will also fund mental health resources to “ensure continuity of care through additional financial and mental health support”.

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Universal Music Group clients and those in the industry, or formerly working within music, will have access to the fund, promising to respond to inquiries within 24 hours.

Speaking on the scheme, MHA founder and CEO Tatum Hauck Allsep explained that it’s committed to “the health, well-being, and sustainability of the music industry workforce”.

As well as financial assistance, the fund will offer “wraparound services” such as psychiatric support, facilitation of intensive outpatient and inpatient programs, and data collection.

The fund was launched following singer-songwriter Chappell Roan's acceptance speech at this year's GRAMMY Awards, where she called out major labels for their lack of mental health support.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter