Robbie Williams has become music and mental health charity Music Support's first ever patron.
Music Support was founded in April 2016 by ithe singer's former tour manager Andy Franks, Matt Thomas, musician Mark Richardson, Samantha Parker and addiction treatment expert Johan Sorensen, with each having their own personal experiences of recovery and addiction.
The charity works within the music industry to provide help for those suffering with alcoholism, addiction or any form of mental or emotional health issue.
“This is such a timely undertaking and I am very happy to be its first patron," said Williams.
“I was overwhelmed when [Williams' manager] Tim Clark called to say Robbie agreed to act as Patron for Music Support," said Franks. "We are incredibly grateful and honoured. Having Robbie on board will help bring Music Support to the attention of so many more people who may need our services, and to raise the funds to allow us to provide those services.”
Williams' late manager, David Enthoven, was a major advocate for awareness and treatment of addiction and was one of the first people in the industry to recognise Music Support stating, “Music Support is a brilliant gateway to the community of men and women who recognise the despair and shame of addiction and how to recover from it.”
Music Support has now grown to offering programmes, help lines and many other resources.
This summer, in partnership with Festival Republic, and with the help of The BRIT Trust, Music Support is providing Safe Tents at a number of UK festivals. ASafe Tent is an alcohol and drug free environment where artists, festival staff or crew can drop in for a quiet five minutes. They can talk with somebody who has experience of recovery in the industry or, if needed, find a safe haven to have a longer conversation potentially resulting in further treatment and help.
By Will Nicolaides
