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Facing the music WINTER | THE ANATOMY OF… To discover more about the mental health of music promoters, Skiddle did some research W orking in promotions isn't easy. So, to discover more about the challenges and obstacles promoters face, Skiddle recently conducted a survey that focused on the effect this role has on health, relationships and happiness. The response to this survey was astronomical and its clear that the majority of promoters feel their mental health and wellbeing is dramatically affected by their work in the events industry. It's now time to discuss the results as a whole to see what we - and the industry - can do to improve things for this often misunderstood and underrated profession. Skiddle conducted two panel sessions to further explore the issues, the first of which was at Queen of Hoxton in London, involving BAPAM, Help Musicians UK, promoters from Lock N Load and The Cause Tottenham, and Matt Cantor of the Freestylers. The second was an evening in Manchester, with DJ Paulette, John Rostron from Association of Independent Promoters, Manchester Mind's Chiara Knott and Professor Tarani Chandola all speaking. Fig. A When asked what bothers them most about working in promotions: 45% said 'no regular income' 42% say the lack of support 25% said the effect it has on their relationships 12 1 IN 10 Fig. B One in 10 said they had developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as a direct result of their work in music.