NEW ORG OFFERS MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR TOURING BIZ

Tour Support, a new nonprofit program that provides mental health support for the touring community of artists, crews and vendors, is being launched today on World Mental Health Day.

Industry organizations including Live Nation, Friends at Work and WME are behind the initial launch, and artists including John Legend, Steve Aoki, MARINA, Grace VanderWaal and Rick Springfield are lending their names to endorse Tour Support.

A donation from Live Nation is funding the first year of the program.

“Artists and crews spend their lives on the road, bringing shows to life for fans around the world. But that dedication can come with sacrifice,” Live Nation Entertainment CEO and President Michael Rapino said. “It’s critical that we provide support to ensure that everyone can maintain sound mind and body while on the road.”

Tour Support is a new division of LightHopeLife, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit suicide prevention and awareness foundation.

The initial idea for Tour Support came from Steve Richards, an executive producer with Original Syndicate and former touring professional. Richards partnered with management, entertainment and social impact company, Friends At Work.

Friends At Work founder and CEO Ty Stiklorius said “This is a first step to provide resources, trainings and counseling opportunities to ultimately change the culture on the road.”

Tour Support has created a partnership with the online therapy organization, BetterHelp, to create a program that allows tours and vendors to purchase a plan that makes professional counseling available anytime, anywhere, via text, phone or video chat to everyone in their organization. BetterHelp has gifted $250,000 worth of services to new and independent artists.