Bursary scheme launched for Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities in the UK music industry

A bursary scheme has been launched to improve counselling for Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities working in the UK music industry.

BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine), Help Musicians and PPL, the UK music industry's collective management organisation, are behind the scheme. The latter two are funding the scheme, which is open for applications until December 16.

Five bursaries of up to £3000 will be available, with the funds to go towards training to become a counsellor or psychotherapist. The training is accredited by the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists), UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) or BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies).

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BAPAM will provide a mental health professional to oversee the scheme - launched to improve equality, diversity and inclusion - and ensure training placements are managed and supervised correctly.

BAPAM Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Supervisor Beverley Hills said: “A timely initiative that hopefully will begin to break down the barriers to Black, Asian and minority ethnic career progression in the psychotherapeutic arena by addressing the seriously poor representation of artistic practitioners from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

"There are hurdles that exist with often forgotten individuals and performers who need the safety of a seen cultural reference to be in place before they can begin to address their mental health issues with their therapist. People want to talk to people who not only understand their sector but who also look like them. With this bursary, BAPAM, PPL and Help Musicians aim to tackle this low visibility of Black, Asian and minority ethnic professionals in the field.”

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Claire Gevaux of Help Musicians 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.”

Head here for more details.

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