The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has pledged to increase its support for students, dedicating its 2018/19 Annual Appeal to health and well-being.

It is in response to research that has shown that the number of students reporting mental health issues across Higher Education has risen sharply.

Concerns and worries

Concerns and worries over living alone, financial pressures, relationships, exam pressure and social media interaction are seen as contributors to anxiety, stress and depression.

RNCM Students' Union President, Kathy Hart stated: "Every year, we welcome around 850 gifted students from over 60 countries. These individuals all share two things — a passion for music and a dream to become the best musicians they can be.

I see that the work needed to build such a difficult career can come at a price, both physically and psychologically."

Appointment

The RNCM has already reconised the importance of health and well-being and provides a wide range of care services and health activities for students. It has also taken a significant step forward by becoming the first conservatoire to appoint a specialist Lecturer in Musicians' Health & Well-being.

Sara Ascenso, a chartered clinical psychologist and trained pianist, will continue to develop the health and well-being provision across the College.

Concerns and worries over living alone, financial pressures, relationships, exam pressure and social media interaction are seen as contributors to anxiety, stress and depression4BR

Maximize efforts

She stated: "We want our students to learn how to make music with excellence but also how to live fulfilling lives as musicians and as human beings more generally. This means that what they are learning is not only about doing but also about being.

We want to maximize our efforts to make sure they experience what being well as a musician means during their time at the RNCM."

More information

For more information go to: www.rncm.ac.uk/annualappeal