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Health and wellbeing resources for members

Healthcare Services
Specialist help

Healthcare Services

We work with our partner organisations, collectively aiming to ensure that performers receive expert medical assessments, advice and support.

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A Guide to Wellbeing
Career pack

A Guide to Wellbeing

From mental health to having a healthy lifestyle - read our guidance to take care of your state of mind and body.

Read more about A Guide to Wellbeing

Guidance and resources

Protect your mental and physical health and wellbeing as a musician

Being a musician puts your body, your mind and your resilience under a lot of pressure. That’s why the Musicians’ Union works hard to support musicians’ physical and mental health and wellbeing. Watch the video to learn how.

Protect your mental and physical health and wellbeing as a musician
2:56 Protect your mental and physical health and wellbeing as a musician

MU Partners

Organisations we support and partner with to help musicians with their mental health and wellbeing

Health & wellbeing events

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A row of miniature wooden blocks on a table. They show the outline of three people, one is an image of a head with a heart in the brain area to represent good mental health.
19 May 2026

Managing Stress and Burnout in the Music Industry

Join the MU and BAPAM for a one-hour online session with Dramatherapist Heather Turkington, exploring stress and burnout, their signs and causes, practical coping strategies, and when and where to seek support, free for MU members in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Online
Read more about Managing Stress and Burnout in the Music Industry

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I'm much more aware of my rib cage and the extent of my held breath. As a brass player, that feels significant!

PeteMusician

Feldenkrais method is fascinating, science-based and totally relevant to issues faced by professional musicians.

JonathanMusician

My neck feels free. I feel more grounded and have a posture that is more free and open.

TaraMusician, about Feldenkrais

Following on from the very stressful lockdown period, I continue to find these [meditation] sessions extremely useful.

MartinMusician

Shukri is a lovely down to earth teacher and I look forward to Monday’s meditation sessions immensely.

Zoe Musician

Wellbeing news

Latest on health, safety and wellbeing affecting musicians

Jenny is wearing a rainbow hat and two MU members are wearing Union branded t-shirts, carrying flags and a keyboard.

‘At the Heart of Democracy’: MU Marks IDAHOBIT 2026

Ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17, the MU reflects on a year of member stories, activism and solidarity across the music industry, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ voices within the Union and beyond.

Published: 14 May 2026

Read more about ‘At the Heart of Democracy’: MU Marks IDAHOBIT 2026
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report
Close up of someone playing guitar, their hands both on the fretboard.

Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters

In this guest blog to mark Stroke Awareness Month, Dr Finola Ryan, Consultant Occupational Physician and BAPAM Medical Director, explores how strokes can uniquely affect musicians and what support is available to help them return to performing.

Published: 01 May 2026

Read more about Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters
Close up of someone playing guitar, their hands both on the fretboard.

Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters

In this guest blog to mark Stroke Awareness Month, Dr Finola Ryan, Consultant Occupational Physician and BAPAM Medical Director, explores how strokes can uniquely affect musicians and what support is available to help them return to performing.

Published: 01 May 2026

Read more about Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters
View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre
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