Music charity Help Musicians UK (HMUK) has announced a record high for the lives it impacted in 2017, up 116 percent on 2016.
The charity supported 14,000 music industry employees and musicians in 2017 through its various services and programmes, marking a new record in its 97-year history.
A total of 5,430 people were impacted directly through grants and funding, across schemes including the Music Minds Matter mental health service.
The rest of the breakdown includes home visits, enquiries received by the recently launched Music Minds Matter support line and those who were supported through initiatives such as the #HearForMusicians hearing health scheme.
The figures were revealed at the charity's annual general meeting, where chief executive Richard Robinson said: 'We are delighted to announce the charity’s record breaking impact and growth for 2017.
'This has been a result of diversifying HMUK’s provision to those in the music industry, innovating our funding opportunities, campaigning, partnerships and advocacy on important issues, to reach an ever-wider spectrum of music industry professionals in need.
'Through research, we have identified a huge amount of need in the sector and have made commitments to bring about lasting change, from services such as our landmark mental health service Music Minds Matter, to opening regional branches in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
He added that the charity will have an even bigger impact in 2018 due to updated eligibility criteria, which 'will result in even more music industry insiders to access the charity’s grants than in previous years.'
HMUK aims to raise £21m in funds by 2021, as part of Agenda 2021; a five-year plan ahead of its centenary. It will prioritise investment in offerings around hearing conservation, mental health and musculoskeletal and movement injuries, as well as 'ground-breaking research into new areas such as parenting in the music industry and more.'
The charity will also focus on 'reaching even more emerging artists from diverse backgrounds, geographies, and career stages – ensuring no single musical genre or demographic dominates investment.'
The charity supported 14,000 music industry employees and musicians in 2017 through its various services and programmes, marking a new record in its 97-year history.
A total of 5,430 people were impacted directly through grants and funding, across schemes including the Music Minds Matter mental health service.
The rest of the breakdown includes home visits, enquiries received by the recently launched Music Minds Matter support line and those who were supported through initiatives such as the #HearForMusicians hearing health scheme.
The figures were revealed at the charity's annual general meeting, where chief executive Richard Robinson said: 'We are delighted to announce the charity’s record breaking impact and growth for 2017.
'This has been a result of diversifying HMUK’s provision to those in the music industry, innovating our funding opportunities, campaigning, partnerships and advocacy on important issues, to reach an ever-wider spectrum of music industry professionals in need.
'Through research, we have identified a huge amount of need in the sector and have made commitments to bring about lasting change, from services such as our landmark mental health service Music Minds Matter, to opening regional branches in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
He added that the charity will have an even bigger impact in 2018 due to updated eligibility criteria, which 'will result in even more music industry insiders to access the charity’s grants than in previous years.'
HMUK aims to raise £21m in funds by 2021, as part of Agenda 2021; a five-year plan ahead of its centenary. It will prioritise investment in offerings around hearing conservation, mental health and musculoskeletal and movement injuries, as well as 'ground-breaking research into new areas such as parenting in the music industry and more.'
The charity will also focus on 'reaching even more emerging artists from diverse backgrounds, geographies, and career stages – ensuring no single musical genre or demographic dominates investment.'
