New counselling bursary scheme launched for Black, Asian and minority ethnic workers in UK music industry

fabric © Sarah Ginn
© Sarah Ginn

It’s a joint venture from BAPAM, Help Musicians and PPL.

BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) has launched a new bursary scheme to improve counselling support for individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities working in the UK music industry. Five bursaries of up to £3,000 per year of study are to be awarded to performers and professionals working in the music industry to undertake the necessary training to become registered counsellors or psychotherapists. It’s jointly funded by Help Musicians and music licensing company PPL and is open for applications until 16 December 2020.

The training will be accredited by the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists), UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) or BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies).

BAPAM’s Chief Executive Officer Claire Cordeaux said, “We know that the bond between therapist and client is often the most important factor in the effectiveness of therapy, and that for many Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals in the performing arts, the lack of diversity among therapists can be a barrier to accessing services. We are delighted to be working with PPL and Help Musicians UK to offer this opportunity which has the added benefit of delivering free counselling to the music and performing arts sector, as trainees develop their practice.”

Help Musicians’ Director of Programming, Claire Gevaux, added, “Help Musicians is delighted to be working in collaboration with PPL and BAPAM on this hugely important initiative. On top of the unique set of challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to music, we know that the events of this year continue to have a profound effect on the mental health of musicians. We also know that it is vital that everyone feels represented in the support that they receive. By committing to change and increasing the opportunities for Black, Asian and minority ethnic musicians to become therapists, we hope to increase the diversity of the sector and ensure we are all working together towards a more inclusive industry.”

For more information head to the BAPAM website.