Talking Classical supports Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

*All Talking Classical podcasts on SoundCloud have now been redirected to Anchor.* This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. It's a week hosted every year by the Mental Health Foundation that aims to get people across the country talking and thinking about mental health. At a time when people around the world are staying at home, and when many freelance musicians' and creatives' work has been cancelled for the next few months, looking after our mental health and wellbeing has been more important than ever. A recent study from the charity YoungMinds also indicated that more than 80% of young people felt that their mental health conditions had worsened during the coronavirus pandemic - a finding that has made it even more important for young musicians (especially who are studying at or about to leave their universities or music colleges) to protect their wellbeing during these times. On the Talking Classical Podcast, I have been doing some things to raise awareness of mental health. Last year, I recorded an interview with Lucy Thraves, Editor of Classical Music Magazine, in which we discussed the magazine's year-long campaign Harmony In Mind, raising awareness of mental health within the classical music sector. On future episodes, I would also like to be able to talk about other people’s experiences of mental health within the classical business so if you’re interested to be involved, please do not hesitate to get in contact. Learn more about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week. Further resources: https://talkingclassicalpodcast.wordpress.com/2020/05/23/talking-classical-supports-mental-health-awareness-week-2020. https://harmonyinmind.co.uk. https://helpmusicians.org.uk/health-welfare/mental-health. If you are affected by any of the issues in this podcast, please consult the following services: Mind Infoline open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). 0300 123 3393 [email protected] Text: 86463 Samaritans Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 anytime for free. Papyrus UK (Suicide Prevention Charity) Opening hours: 9am–10pm weekdays, 2pm–10pm weekends, 2pm–10pm bank holidays. Hopeline UK: 0800 068 4141 [email protected] Text: 07860039967 CALM Open 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year Nationwide helpline: 0800 58 58 58 Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat Help Musicians and Music Minds Matter, a 24/7 support service https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk https://www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk 0808 802 8008 [email protected]