New harassment and bullying helpline set up for people in the music industry

A new bullying and harassment helpline for those in the music industry has been set up by independent music charity Help Musicians.

Users who call the helpline will be able to speak to specialist advisors immediately, who can offer advice on rights and assist in taking further formal action against an incident.

This may involve legal guidance, preparation advice and coping strategies.

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This is a service that is not necessarily only available for musicians, it is available for anyone within the UK music industry.

Writing on Instagram, Help Musicians said: "Today we announce a new Bullying & Harassment helpline, open to anyone working in the music industry. A Bullying & Harassment situation can involve incidents of offensive, intimidating, malicious, insulting behaviour or abuses of power. It doesn't matter if it's a one-off incident or a regular pattern, face-to-face or online, we're here to support you."

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At present, this initiative is the only of its kind to exist. the charity aims to bridge the gap between the music industry and legal advice.

As stated on their website, James Ainscough, Chief Executive of Help Musicians, said, “Bullying and harassment requires a collaborative response across the music industry. The creation of the helpline is a vital next step and Help Musicians is well placed to provide this service, as an independent charity.

“Anyone who is concerned about a bullying and harassment situation can call the helpline, share their concerns confidentially and receive advice on how to navigate the issue they are facing. We hope in time that musicians and all those who work in music will feel better emotionally supported as well as gain practical advice on how to resolve any problems.

“The anonymous insight we will gather through this service will shed more light on the issues being experienced and help to target the collaborative efforts for positive and permanent change across the music industry. This is a vital service, and we ask for everybody’s help in promoting awareness of it, to ensure that individuals who need it will know that they can call for support at any time.”

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Matt Griffins, Head of Communications at Help Musicians, tweeted: "Bullying, harassment and problematic behaviour can have a huge impact on peoples' day to day lives. Now, the music industry has somewhere to get free, confidential advice and practical help. Please help us spread the word so people can start getting the support they need today."

The helpline also aims to take action to stop bullying and harassment from even occurring in the first place.

Help Musicians state that they will ensure full anonymity for all callers and the service will work alongside The MU’s SafeSpace service, which remains open in conjunction with the new helpline.

The number for the helpline is 0800 088 2045.

For more information, visit the Help Musicians website.

**Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on* Twitter*