Backline Initiates ‘Break The Barriers’, Movement and Pledge to End Stigma Around Mental Health
Nonprofit organization which provides mental health and wellness resource to the music industry and their families launches campaign to end mental health stigma.
On Monday January 23, 2023 nonprofit organization, Backline, which provides mental health and wellness resources to the music industry and their families announced Break The Barriers; a partnership with Black Mental Health Alliance, Silence The Shame, Latinx Therapy, Black Music Action Coalition, SONA (Songwriters of North America), FEMME HOUSE, Women In Music, NIVA, The SIMS Foundation and more.
The movement aims to end the stigma around mental health and asks participants to pledge to take care of their own mental health and take action to address the systemic and historical barriers that BIPOC communities face when seeking mental health care.
Backline also revealed the Break The Barriers Portal, where Artists, Organizations, and Fans can access mental health resources, critical messaging, digital toolkits and more. The toolkits and resources are aimed at making it easier to implement and uphold mental health in workplaces, concerts, and communities.
Break The Barriers also launched #MentalHealthMondays; a weekly Instagram Live series featuring vulnerable conversations around mental health with music industry and mental health professionals.
Break The Barriers is already making an impact on the industry; with Guin Records implementing this week a new “Mental Health Day Policy” for all employees. The policy offers employees to take a day off in order to take time to recover and recenter themselves to prevent burnout. Industry entities interested in deepening their efforts can also register to have a workshop with Coalition Partner Silence the Shame, or subsidize mental health care costs for employees via Music’s Mental Health Fund, a partnership between Backline + Sweet Relief Musicians’ Fund.
Terra Lopez (Backline / Break The Barriers) says, “Break The Barriers is a movement that aims to end the stigma around mental health by asking folks first and foremost to take care of their mental health. The more we talk about our mental health, the less taboo it will be. Break The Barriers also aims to address the systemic and historical barriers that have been set in place for BIPOC communities when seeking out mental health care.
“We believe that by acknowledging the logistical, structural, historical barriers that BIPOC communities have faced, we can bring not only solutions to changing the system but also much needed healing to these communities. We want to encourage folks to have these vulnerable conversations around mental health in the hopes that it will allow others to feel able to share their own stories. There is so much power in sharing your story and in bearing witness to others. We are so excited to launch the first call to action with the pledge and ask all to sign and share with their own communities to help us break the barriers and end the stigma around mental health!”
The momentum has already begun. Already, more than 25 companies have signed the pledge, including Wasserman, Vevo, Big Hassle, 23 PR, Terrorbird, Propeller, Dayglo Presents, The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), Tree Fort Music Fest, Duck Club Presents, 11Eleven Group, PassionHouse Coffee, Sound Mind Live, Post Oak LA, National Event Services, Lyte, 6Degrees and The Orchard.
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On Monday January 23, 2023 nonprofit organization, Backline, which provides mental health and wellness resources to the music industry and their families announced Break The Barriers; a partnership with Black Mental Health Alliance, Silence The Shame, Latinx Therapy, Black Music Action Coalition, SONA (Songwriters of North America), FEMME HOUSE, Women In Music, NIVA, The SIMS Foundation and more.
The movement aims to end the stigma around mental health and asks participants to pledge to take care of their own mental health and take action to address the systemic and historical barriers that BIPOC communities face when seeking mental health care.
Backline also revealed the Break The Barriers Portal, where Artists, Organizations, and Fans can access mental health resources, critical messaging, digital toolkits and more. The toolkits and resources are aimed at making it easier to implement and uphold mental health in workplaces, concerts, and communities.
Break The Barriers also launched #MentalHealthMondays; a weekly Instagram Live series featuring vulnerable conversations around mental health with music industry and mental health professionals.
Break The Barriers is already making an impact on the industry; with Guin Records implementing this week a new “Mental Health Day Policy” for all employees. The policy offers employees to take a day off in order to take time to recover and recenter themselves to prevent burnout. Industry entities interested in deepening their efforts can also register to have a workshop with Coalition Partner Silence the Shame, or subsidize mental health care costs for employees via Music’s Mental Health Fund, a partnership between Backline + Sweet Relief Musicians’ Fund.
Terra Lopez (Backline / Break The Barriers) says, “Break The Barriers is a movement that aims to end the stigma around mental health by asking folks first and foremost to take care of their mental health. The more we talk about our mental health, the less taboo it will be. Break The Barriers also aims to address the systemic and historical barriers that have been set in place for BIPOC communities when seeking out mental health care.
“We believe that by acknowledging the logistical, structural, historical barriers that BIPOC communities have faced, we can bring not only solutions to changing the system but also much needed healing to these communities. We want to encourage folks to have these vulnerable conversations around mental health in the hopes that it will allow others to feel able to share their own stories. There is so much power in sharing your story and in bearing witness to others. We are so excited to launch the first call to action with the pledge and ask all to sign and share with their own communities to help us break the barriers and end the stigma around mental health!”
The momentum has already begun. Already, more than 25 companies have signed the pledge, including Wasserman, Vevo, Big Hassle, 23 PR, Terrorbird, Propeller, Dayglo Presents, The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), Tree Fort Music Fest, Duck Club Presents, 11Eleven Group, PassionHouse Coffee, Sound Mind Live, Post Oak LA, National Event Services, Lyte, 6Degrees and The Orchard.
Sign the pledge HERE
Connect with Break The Barriers for more information:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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