Parents and Carers in Music 

Peer Support Groups in Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool ​

• Leeds: Thursday 3rd July 2025, 10 – 1pm, City Varieties Music Hall 
• Gateshead: 1st October (time tbc) – The Glasshouse  
• Liverpool: DATE TBC – sign up to register interest  

Parents and Carers in Performing Arts and Come Play With Me are collaborating on a pilot project to build a sustainable support network, in-person and online, for Parents and Carers who work in Music, based in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Apply >> Fill in this form <<

About the pilot 

Nine out of ten parents and carers working in music are forced to turn down work due to caregiving responsibilities and a lack of support. Four in ten are considering leaving the industry. Our research shows parents and carers feel isolated, and especially for people who face multiple barriers to working in music. We know that early intervention and peer support are critical. 

The PiPA X Come Play With Me peer networks will build community, promote well-being, and boost resilience. Starting with in-person support, the project will move to an online platform to keep the conversation and support going.  

By participating in this trial, you'll gain access to a supportive community, share resources, and connect with others who understand your challenges. You'll also benefit from tools and have a voice in shaping a sustainable support system for the sector.  

We will take the learning (anonymously) from these sessions and use it to inform the future development of the peer support networks. 

Your involvement is crucial—let's make a difference together! 
 

What does it involve? 

Stage 1: 

In-person workshop in person led by professional facilitators were we will: 

• Spend time discussing the unique challenges we face as carers and parents in our work and lives, and share ideas on the support we need.  
• The aim of the session is to create a peer support network that can continue beyond the in-person session. 

  

Stage 2:  

Access and participation to an online platform and community. 

• Peer-group participants will come together in an online space.
• Resources, access to mental well-being tools and peer connection opportunities will be available. 

 

Apply to take part 

Funding for this project was received through the National Lottery to pilot a new model of peer support for parents and carers working in Music who come from marginalised backgrounds. The aim of the peer support networks is to reduce isolation, provide essential support, and improve well-being through in-person meetings, with continued support through an online platform. The ultimate goal is to empower participants to navigate caregiving challenges whilst continuing their careers in the music industry.  

This is an opportunity for music industry professionals who are parents, carers, from the Global majority, LGBTQ+ people, disabled & neurodiverse people, primary carers/ parents, and/ or those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as they are currently under-represented in the music industry. If you are from any marginalised background, then this is for you.  

As this is a pilot project and places are limited (12 places per location) and we will prioritise applicants who identify as being from one or more of the above communities. If more than 12 applicants meet the eligibility criteria, participants will be selected at random.  

If we can’t invite you this time – we hope to run more! 

 

Apply

>> Fill in this form <<

We are able to offer £50 in exchange for your participation in the pilot – unfortunately we cannot pay travel expenses for the in-person sessions.  

 

Timeline  

Deadline for applications for Leeds date: Midday, Friday 27th June 2025 
We will let you know if you have been invited to take part in the Leeds session by the 5pm on 27th June 2025
The Leeds session will take place on Thursday 3rd July 2025. 

The Gateshead session will take place on Wednesday 1st October 2025. 

Liverpool date will be posted here soon, please register your interest at this stage.  
 

Access 

Children and people who you care for are welcome in the space – there won’t be childcare/ care for the pilot therefore you will need to be responsible for them.  

Leeds Venue: This event will take place in the circle bar. There is an accessible toilet, and lifts to all floors. Take a 360 tour here. 

 

This project is funded by National Lottery and the Musicians Union.