YungBlud’s performance at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena tonight will allow fans access to the innovative mental health support measures in place across his tour.
Dominic Harrison, otherwise known as Yungblud, has introduced new mental health support measures into his concerts including a helpline for fans open before, during and after the show, a mental health support desk in every venue and a designated safe space for fans to go if they need a quiet moment or emotional support.
A spokesperson for YungBlud said: “The aim is to provide a safe space for his fans at the shows, with access to qualified mental health professionals to help with any experiences related to panic attacks, anxiety, or other mental health-related concerns.”
A fan of Yungblud with anxiety, Isobel Comber, 19, from Lydgate Lane said: “A lot of my anxiety comes from ‘what if’ thoughts in my head. I think knowing that there are different procedures and well-being services in place would help control the panicked thoughts. I would be able to make a plan for if anything were to go wrong.”
However, she also went on to say that the measures could go further suggesting a text based helpline, code system or designated Marshalls watching for panic attacks in the crowd.
At tonight’s concert, the mental health help desk will be in the concourse and the safe space will be in the Arena Club.
YungBlud ‘The World Tour’ follows his last one which sold over 70,000 tickets. He will be touring seven arenas across the UK being supported by British rock band Neck Deep. 60p from every ticket sale of this tour will go towards supporting this new mental health initiative.
The people of Sheffield were excited about Yungblud’s performance and praised the new measures:
Bill Loakes, 52, from Nether-Shire Lane said: ‘Whilst I don’t enjoy his music, my daughter does so I’m happy that young people get to go and we get a night off.’
Kayci Morris, 26, from Maltravers Road said: “This is not something I would go to but I think the mental health measures are a great step and I hope they become commonplace in the industry.”
Jack Barratt, 23, from Stannington Road said: “I think it’s really exciting, he’s such a well-known artist and the mental health support is amazing. I hope more artists follow his example.”
The issue of mental health support at concerts has been a topical issue across the industry recently with artists like Billie Eilish and Adele stopping performances for struggling fans. Singer Maggie Rogers has also noticed a rise in panic attacks at her concerts.
