Music Support, the specialist charity providing help to anyone in the UK music industry experiencing substance misuse, addiction and mental health challenges, has appointed Claire Haffenden to its board of trustees.

Haffenden brings extensive experience in artist welfare and industry-wide mental health advocacy to the charity’s leadership team having spent 30 celebrated years at Universal Music UK before founding bespoke events management and artist services company Haffenden and Co. Known across the industry for her discretion and commitment to well-being, Haffenden has long championed the integration of mental health support within high-pressure creative environments.

As Music Support celebrates its 10th anniversary, the charity has reported unprecedented demand for its services, with a 71 per cent rise in people seeking help. More than half of those reaching out were assessed as being in crisis.

Matt Thomas, co-founder and chair of trustees of Music Support, said: “Claire was one of Music Support’s earliest supporters, and her belief in what we were building helped establish our credibility at a crucial time. Claire understands from the inside, the pressures, expectations and vulnerabilities that can come with working in the industry. If we are serious about duty-of-care in music, it must be embedded into leadership and strategy. Claire embodies that principle. Her experience, integrity and deep empathy make her an exceptional addition to our Board in our 10th  year. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Haffenden added: “I have long admired the vital work that Music Support does for our community. Throughout my 30 years in the industry, I have seen first-hand the unique pressures faced by artists, crew and industry professionals. I have always believed that professional excellence and personal wellbeing must go hand in hand. I am honoured to join the board of trustees and look forward to helping ensure that anyone working in music has access to high-quality, empathetic support.”