We are thrilled to announce that Tramlines - a Sheffield-based, 50,000 capacity event produced by METHOD - has been chosen to host a fully-funded Safe Hub during its 2024 edition, thanks to the partnership between Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), Music Support, and The Christopher Meredith Foundation.

‍

The Safe Hub, provided by Music Support, serves as a backstage sanctuary at music festivals, addressing the unique demands that often arise in the high-pressure festival environment. The idea is to offer a confidential and supportive space for artists and crew to discuss concerns with fully trained staff or volunteers, covering prevalent areas such as mental health, first aid, addiction and recovery awareness, and self-care.

‍

Music Support is a charity that aims to provide support to peers working in the music and live events industry affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction. Their crucial work is affirmed by responses from an online wellbeing survey conducted by Music Support in 2023, which found that 75% of the artists and crew participants felt “down or depressed”, 63% suffered from “low self-confidence”, and a staggering 18% had “experienced suicidal thoughts”. Out of all these respondents, 84% said they felt a lack of support available within the industry.

‍

It’s a testament to the Tramlines management team that mental health is being prioritised in this way, and we are proud to work with them in creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone on site. This added welfare resource is a huge leap in the right direction, and sets an industry precedent to prioritise the wellbeing of the teams behind the scenes.

‍

“Here at METHOD, we’re big advocates for Music Support and the work they do,” expresses James Dutton, co-founder “The live music industry operates with long hours and immovable deadlines, but the health and wellbeing of our team and family of contractors is fundamental to the success of our events. We’re delighted to see Tramlines awarded this provision by the AIF. The vast experience and knowledge that Music Support will bring to site is a great way to augment our back of house welfare facilities, and improve the support we are able to offer to the people that make it happen.”

‍

The initiative aligns with METHOD’s commitment to accessibility, safeguarding, and promoting essential services offered by Music Support throughout the industry. We are proud to contribute to creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone involved in our events.