Case Study: Live Event Wellbeing Program and Counselling Support at Big Sound Festival
Background
Big Sound Festival, one of Australia's premier music industry events, attracts a diverse crowd of artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts. Recognising the high-pressure environment of live events and the importance of mental health, the festival organisers, QMUSIC, partnered with Hey Mate to implement the Live Event Wellbeing Program (LEWP). This initiative aimed to create a supportive atmosphere and provide essential resources to attendees and festival staff.
The Challenge
Festivals can be overwhelming for many, with long hours, high expectations, and the pressure of performing or working in a bustling environment. There was a need for a dedicated space where festival-goers and staff could access mental health resources and support, ensuring their well-being throughout the event.
The Solution
For three days during Big Sound Festival, Hey Mate established a safe space equipped with a variety of wellbeing resources. Our approach included:
Dedicated Wellbeing Space: We created a welcoming environment where attendees could relax and recharge away from the festival's hustle and bustle.
Counselling Services: Qualified counsellors were available on-site to provide support and guidance to both festival attendees and staff.
EAP Support for Festival Staff: Through our partnership with QMUSIC, we extended counselling services to festival staff, ensuring they had access to mental health support during the event.
The Impact
The LEWP at Big Sound Festival proved to be a vital resource for participants and staff alike. Key outcomes included:
Enhanced Wellbeing: The dedicated space offered a sanctuary for festival-goers, allowing them to take a break, de-stress, and engage with wellbeing resources.
Increased Access to Support: With counselling services readily available, attendees and staff were more inclined to seek help when needed, fostering a culture of openness around mental health.
Positive Feedback: Participants reported feeling supported and valued during the festival. Many expressed gratitude for the availability of mental health resources in a typically high-stress environment, highlighting the importance of such initiatives at live events.
Conclusion
The Live Event Wellbeing Program at Big Sound Festival exemplified the positive impact of prioritising mental health in high-energy environments. By creating a safe space and providing accessible counselling services, Hey Mate and QMUSIC contributed to a culture of well-being that benefits everyone involved in the festival.
This collaboration not only enhanced the experience for attendees but also reinforced the importance of mental health support within the music industry. Hey Mate is proud to have played a role in this initiative, helping to ensure that the wellbeing of all participants was prioritised at Big Sound Festival.
