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NEC Group rolls out mental health support to more shows
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 19 November 2019
NEC Group Arenas has announced that it will have mental health support staff on hand at more shows, following trials at recent Ariana Grande and Little Mix concerts.
The company currently has 20 employees trained as mental health first aid providers who can offer support to other staff and attendees of shows at its Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena venues. Their input can include simply listening or helping people find a quiet space to relax, as well as highlighting sources of further support.
Ellie Coombes, Senior Event Manager at Arena Birmingham, says: “Mental wellbeing is hugely important to us at the NEC Group. Over recent months we’ve put a real emphasis on making sure our employees’ mental health is looked after – and it’s just as important that we look after those visiting our venues”.
“We always hope everyone has a great time with us”, she adds, “but … we’re there on hand to help if anyone needs it. We want our visitors to come and talk to us about their mental health and know that if they’re struggling, they don’t have to do it alone”.
Earlier this month, various music industry and live event organisations partnered with the charity Music Support to offer discounted places on the Mental Health First Aid programme, a training course designed to help people recognise the signs of mental illness and addiction so that they can better support those who are affected by them.
