PRODUCTION + CREW SUPPORT GROUP TAKING PLACE TODAY (MONDAY, MARCH 16)

ARTISTS + INDUSTRY SUPPORT GROUP TOMORROW
(TUESDAY, MARCH 17)

INFO ON HOW TO JOIN CAN BE FOUND BELOW

TORONTO, ON – March 16, 2020 – With increasing anxiety in the music community due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Backline​ Co-Founder and Clinical Director,​ Zack Borer​ (LMFT), and ​THRIV​(Tour Health Research Initiative) Co-Founder, ​Dr. Chayim Newman,​ will host online support groups today (Monday, March 16) and tomorrow (Tuesday, March 17), in order to create a safe space for the industry to come together and access support and resources. Full details and information on how to join the groups can be found below.

Today at 6PM ET / 3PM PT, the first “Come Together: COVID-19 Crisis” support group will take place for all ​PRODUCTION + CREW​ professionals seeking support during this unprecedented time of uncertainty. Please download zoom and click here to join: vevo.zoom.us/j/673111071 or visit https://vevo.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 673 111 071. To join from a dial-in phone line: +1-646-876-9923 or +1-312-626-6799.

The second “Come Together: COVID-19 Crisis” support group will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, March 17) at 6PM ET / 3PM PT for ​ARTISTS + INDUSTRY​ (label, management, agents, promoters). For Tuesday’s meeting, please download zoom and click here to join: vevo.zoom.us/j/564438600 or visit https://vevo.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 564 438 600. To join from a dial-in phone line: +1-646-876-9923 or +1-312-626-6799.

The support groups will aim to address the anxieties associated with COVID-19’s effects on the music industry, provide information and resources, and support each other during this difficult time. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Newman will lead a group meditation.

Follow here for more information: www.facebook.com/events/644402919694396

ABOUT BACKLINE
Backline is a hub for music industry professionals and their families to quickly and easily access mental health and wellness resources. Backline offers a free Case Management program, wherein trained mental health professionals work one-on-one with individuals to connect them with mental health resources specifically catered to the music industry lifestyle. Backline has partnered with leading support organizations and care providers to streamline access to services and educational resources to promote mental and physical health, through therapy, meditation, yoga, nutrition and more. Learn more at www.backline.care. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

ABOUT THRIV
The Tour Health Research Initiative (THRIV) was launched by a very small team of psychologists, researchers, and touring professionals who work closely with and care deeply about the well-being of touring personnel. They are engaged in pioneering empirical research to further our understanding of the mental health challenges facing the music industry. They are also committed to the development of scientific, evidence-based strategies to improve the health and mental health of touring artists and crew members. Take the Touring Health & Wellness Survey 2020 at www.tourhealth.org. Facebook | Instagram

ZACK BORER, LMFT
Zack Borer is a LA-based Psychotherapist that provides preventative mental health support and wellness strategies to individuals working in the music industry. Zack works with artists and their support staff to enhance emotional wellbeing and to help mitigate the acute mental health crises that have become commonplace in the music business. Prior to entering the mental health field, Zack spent 10 years as a singer/songwriter. He experienced firsthand the struggles facing artists and those who work in the music business. He is the co-founder of Backline Care, Inc. and serves as the organization’s Clinical Director.

DR. CHAYIM NEWMAN
Dr. Chayim Newman (PhD in Clinical Psychology) ’s clinical practice, serving touring artists, crew members, and music industry professionals, focuses on the use of a variety of therapeutic modalities (CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, traditional psychotherapy) in the treatment of mental health and stress-related disorders. Having been involved in the entertainment industry for over two decades, as a touring performer, event producer, and artist liaison, Dr. Newman possesses a first-hand understanding of the unique challenges and stresses facing artists and touring personnel. He is the co-founder of the Tour Health Research Initiative (www.tourhealth.org) and a member of the Clinical Advisory Board at Backline Care, Inc. Dr. Newman also regularly delivers lectures and seminars on stress management, meditation, and mental health in the music industry.