Perth College UHI hosts successful panel event with Help Musicians UK

On Thursday 1 February, staff and students at Perth College UHI hosted a panel discussion event to explore the support networks available to musicians in Scotland.

The panellists were Jamie McGeechan, songwriter; Ross Wilson, Strongside Podcast; Kirsty Freeland, Help Musicians UK and Maryah Itani, Moderator and Music Business student at Perth College UHI.

The event was part of a series of events across Scotland to mark the Help Musicians UK ‘Rooted in Scotland’ launch of Help Musicians Scotland.

Ayrshire musician, Jamie McGeechan spoke to students, staff and visitors about his own experience with alcohol abuse whilst maintaining a career as a musician. Help Musicians UK have supported Jamie during this difficult time. 

Andrew Dyce, Music Business lecturer at Perth College UHI, said: “Help Musicians UK opening in Scotland is great news for musicians and music industry professionals at any stage of their career. The charity does life-changing and inspiring work. Jamie’s experience, receiving advice and financial support from HMUK, is just one example of the work the charity is engaged in. Both Jamie and Ross were incredibly open talking about the mental health issues they have experienced working in music. We hope their stories will give our students the confidence to talk about their mental health and ask for help.”