Tonic Music, a leading mental health charity in the music industry, has announced the launch of a new season of Peer Support Groups. These groups offer free, specialist mental health support to those working in music across the UK. The weekly online sessions, facilitated by experienced clinicians, are tailored to meet the unique emotional needs of musicians and industry professionals.
Running from January to May 2026, each group offers six 90-minute sessions for up to 12 participants. The aim is to create a safe space for connection, reflection, and recovery.
Steph Langan, Founder and CEO of Tonic Music, emphasizes the importance of these groups in the current music landscape. “These peer groups are invaluable because they offer something the music industry desperately needs – safe, specialist spaces where people can be heard, understood, and supported,” Langan said. “In a landscape that’s increasingly isolating – with venue closures, streaming pressures, and the emotional toll of constant change – these sessions are a lifeline.”
The music industry, while enriching lives, can also have a negative impact on mental wellbeing. The challenges faced by musicians and industry professionals, such as venue closures, streaming services, and global restrictions on touring, can have a profound effect. Tonic Music’s research with over 1,500 participants in their own programs reveals alarming statistics:
– 25% have experienced suicidal thoughts
– 19% had attempted suicide
– 37% have engaged in self-harm
– 85% have experienced anxiety
– 27% have struggled with substance use
– 10% live with a severe and enduring mental health disorder
These Peer Support Groups offer a lifeline for those in need, providing a safe and understanding space for individuals to share their experiences. To learn more about the programs, visit Tonic Rider – Peer Support Group | Tonic Music for Mental Health. To sign up, visit Registration Form – Tonic Rider.
The upcoming Peer Support Groups and their respective dates, times, facilitators, and target audiences are listed below:
Group Dates Time Facilitator Target Audience Neurodiversity 5 Jan – 9 Feb Mon 12:00–1:30pm Dr Adam Ficek Music professionals diagnosed or being assessed for ADHD, Autism, or other neurodivergence LGBTQIA+ 5 Jan – 9 Feb Mon 12:00–1:30pm Dr Claire Bloxsom Music professionals who identify as LGBTQIA+ Music Venues 6 Jan – 10 Feb Tue 1:00–2:30pm Dr Adam Ficek Anyone working at a music venue (e.g. pubs, clubs, theatres) Open 23 Feb – 30 Mar Mon 12:00–1:30pm Dr Adam Ficek Anyone working in music, aged 18+, UK-based Suicide Bereavement 23 Feb – 30 Mar Mon 7:00–8:30pm Jade Hughes Music professionals bereaved by suicide Open 13 Apr – 18 May Mon 12:00–1:30pm Dr Adam Ficek Anyone working in music, aged 18+, UK-based
Additionally, each participant will receive a 1-to-1 appointment with a Tonic Music mental health practitioner before joining the group.
These Peer Support Groups are not distributed by Pressat. To learn more or sign up, visit Tonic Music’s website.
