Music Support has appointed Sarah Williams as its first head of marketing and communications.
Williams began her music career as part of the team behind The Great Escape over 14 years ago. Since then, she has worked in marketing roles across a number of London venues including The Jazz Cafe, The Forum, The Barfly, Brixton Academy and Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Over the past five years, she has worked in the charity space, driving engagement and awareness for Help Musicians and Music Minds Matter.
As a charity, Music Support helps anyone who works in the UK music industry experiencing substance use, addiction and/or mental health challenges. The organisation is run by the industry, for the industry, with founders and a senior leadership team of individuals that have experienced these issues themselves from within the music business.
Its services are actively delivered by in-house psychotherapists and support staff with over 30 years’ combined experience of working in the music industry.
Williams’ hire comes during a period of substantial expansion for Music Support, including a clinical grade stepped care model, backed by NHS principles.
The expansion comes in response to record demand for Music Support’s services. Statistics from the charity’s 2024 festival season wellbeing survey highlighted the urgent need:
– 26% acknowledged having drug and/or alcohol problems (up from 19% in 2023)
– 76% reported feeling “down or depressed” (up from 75%)
– 69% said they suffered from “low self-confidence” (up from 63%)
– 21% experienced suicidal thoughts within the previous 12 months (up from 18%).
At a time when Music Support’s work has never been more vital, Sarah is exactly the right person to help us reach more people and ensure they know support is there for them
Joe Hastings
Matt Thomas, co-founder and chair of Music Support, said: "Our amazing CEO Joe Hastings has been unstoppable in his relentless pursuit to provide the best possible levels of the right kind of support to those who need it.
“Sarah joins us at a pivotal moment. As we approach our 10th anniversary, her role will be critical in ensuring that, from touring crews to executives, emerging artists to industry veterans, everyone in UK music knows that Music Support is here – and that accessing help is straightforward.”
Joe Hastings, CEO of Music Support, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sarah in a previous role and, over a number of years, I’ve always been impressed by her warmth, integrity and deep understanding of both the music industry and the charity sector. Her ability to communicate complex, sensitive issues with authenticity and impact is exceptional. At a time when Music Support’s work has never been more vital, Sarah is exactly the right person to help us reach more people and ensure they know support is there for them.”
Sarah Williams said: “I’m delighted and incredibly proud to have joined the brilliant team at Music Support. The charity plays a vital role in championing the mental wellbeing of those working in our exhilarating but sometimes challenging industry, and delivers care with great compassion and understanding. In my role as head of marketing and comms, I’m excited to help amplify the mission of Music Support, ensure those who need support know where to turn, and to help drive lasting change in the music industry.”
