Musicians Benevolent Fund

Student Health Grants

The Musicians Benevolent Fund Student Health Scheme offers financial assistance with the treatment of performance-related health problems, both physical and psychological. A student suffering from any health issue affecting their ability to perform can apply to the Fund for a treatment grant, which can be used to pay for sessions with an appropriate therapist or practitioner.

Typically, following assessment by a BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) doctor, a student will be awarded an initial treatment grant of £250 (€315) to pay for the treatment that has been recommended. A further £250 (€315) can be made available if the practitioner recommends further treatment. £500 (€630) is the maximum that any student can receive.

Visit the BAPAM website for more information about their work.

The eligibility guidelines for this scheme are as follows:

• Applicants should be enrolled in a full-time music-based course, specialising in performance, at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• Applicants who are not British or Irish must have been resident in the UK or Ireland for at least three years prior to their application.
• The Fund can only help with treatment costs whilst you are a full-time student.
• The Fund cannot help with the costs of routine healthcare.

The following institutions are already enrolled in the Student Health Scheme. We recommend that you contact the person named below at your institution, who will be able to offer guidance on the application process.

If your institution is not listed then please see the FAQs section below as we may still be able to help.

INSTITUTION CONTACT DETAILS

Academy of Contemporary Music
Carrie Ward, Student Relations Manager
Email: carrie@acm.ac.uk

Bath Spa University
Amanda Leon, Head of Student Support Services
Email: a.leon@bathspa.ac.uk

Birmingham Conservatoire
Head of Department / Welfare Adviser

Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Tania Hughes / Drusilla Redman, Student Health Adviser
Email: tania.hughes@gsmd.ac.uk/ drusilla.redman@gsmd.ac.uk

Institute of Contemporary Music Performance
Terry Gregory, BMus Programme Leader
Email: terry.gregory@icmp.co.uk

Leeds College of Music
Jane Anthony, Senior Lecturer
Email: J.Anthony@lcm.ac.uk

Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Rob Hughes, Learner Support Manager
Email: r.hughes@lipa.ac.uk

Newcastle University (ICMS)
Olivia Cameron, Performance Coordinator
Email: o.h.cameron@newcastle.ac.uk

CETL Music & Inclusivity North East
Dawn Weatherston, Development Manager
Email: d.e.weatherston@newcastle.ac.uk

Royal Academy of Music
Dani Singer, Counsellor
Email: d.singer@ram.ac.uk
Please note: Dr Purssell of the Paddington Green Health Centre is registered with BAPAM and you can therefore arrange your assessment appointment directly with him.

Royal College of Music
Lynette Easterbrook, Student Services Manager
Email: leasterbrook@rcm.ac.uk

Royal Northern College of Music
Jane Gray , Student Services Administrator
Email: jane.gray@rncm.ac.uk

Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama
Head of Department / Welfare Adviser

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Brian Weir, Head of Student Services
Email: Brian.Weir@rwcmd.ac.uk

Trinity College of Music
Roger Pope, Head of Student Services
Email: rpope@tcm.ac.uk

HOW DO I APPLY?

Step 1:
Download an application form (below) and ask your institution to sign and stamp the confirmation section. Please note, this does not constitute acceptance on to the scheme, but simply confirms your enrolment in full-time study.

Step 2:
Contact BAPAM on 0845 602 0235 to register as a BAPAM patient and to arrange an appointment at your nearest clinic. Please note there are special instructions for students at particular institutions (see above).

Step 3:
Please take your application form to your appointment. The BAPAM doctor will discuss your problem with you and recommend the most suitable treatment. They will also make notes on your form.

Step 4:
You are now ready to submit your application to the Musicians Benevolent Fund. You will hear back from us within 5 working days.

If you have any queries, please refer to the FAQs below or email the scheme manager, Jonathan Whiskerd, at studenthealth@mbf.org.uk.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

I'm studying music full-time but not at a college on your list. Can I still apply?
At the moment, the Scheme has only been introduced at the institutions listed above. However, we are happy to receive enquiries from students who are specialising in performance at other institutions and we will deal with each case on an individual basis. We are able to accept applications from students at any college in Northern Ireland or Eire.

I'm a singer. Can I get help?
Yes. If you need help with a problem affecting your voice you can apply for our grant.

I'm studying on a part-time music course, can I get help?
No. This scheme is only currently available to those studying on a full time course.

I'm suffering from stage-fright and would like to see a counsellor. Can your grant be used for this?
Yes. We know that stage-fright and anxiety can affect your performance and our grant can be used towards counselling fees.

I'm a cellist and I fell off my bike and broke my ankle. Can I get a grant for physiotherapy?
No. Our grant can only be used for treatment directly related to your ability to play your instrument.

I'm a flautist and I fell off my bike and broke my thumb. Can I get a grant for physiotherapy?
Yes. Because your injury affects your playing you can apply for our grant.

I've used your grant of £500 but still need further treatment. Can I get more help?
No. Our grant is intended as a contribution towards treatment costs and £500 is the maximum we can give you.

I've just left college. Can I still get your grant?
No. Our grant is for full-time students. But if you are now working full-time as a musician you might be eligible for a grant from our main benevolent funds. For more information click here.

I am a singer and need to have my wisdom teeth removed/ need some fillings. Can you help?
No. The Fund is unable to help with routine dental work.

I‘ve been offered a post-graduate place but can’t afford to take it up. Can you help with this?
Yes. You should get in touch with our Awards Team. For more information click here.

Please help us to make our website as user-friendly as possible. If there is any other information you would find helpful please let us know by emailing studenthealth@mbf.org.uk and we will do our best to include it in these guidelines and FAQs.