Sheffield scheme proving link between wellbeing and going to gigs

A Sheffield scheme that helps disadvantaged people attend gigs has set out to prove the link between mental wellbeing and going to events.
By Danielle Andrews
Published 30th Jan 2020, 16:00 BST
Updated 14th Feb 2020, 12:54 BST
Tramlines in SheffieldTramlines in Sheffield
Tramlines in Sheffield

In the year since its inception, Tickets for Good have donated over 1,500 tickets to individuals through various charity and social inclusion organisations.

The Ticket Bank allows organisers to pledge spare tickets to gigs and events, which are then distributed to charitable organisations, so disadvantaged people can enjoy gigs and performances at no cost to them.

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Tickets for Good have commissioned LifePsychol Ltd. to conduct research into how offering the community free tickets would have a positive effect on mental well-being.

As part of the research, ticket recipients complete questionnaires about how they felt before, during and after an event.

Tickets for Good then investigate whether the anticipation of attending, and actually attending and event impacts mental health and wellbeing.

The pilot study has already found indications that both the anticipation of attending, as well as the event itself, had positive impacts on depression, anxiety, and stress.

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Steve Rimmer, co-founder and CEO of Tickets for Good, which runs the bank, said: “Financial constraints, care commitments and social exclusion are just some of the barriers that can prohibit people from going out and enjoying events.

“Our mission is to help event organisers, sponsors and performers optimise for diversity and inclusion, so that everyone in the community can benefit from social responsibility.”

Tickets for Good, who are based at Abbydale Picture House, has teamed up with Sheffield Makes to produce a video, showing the positive impacts the scheme has had.

The video shows Kion Leeson-Beevers , who has Alstrom syndrome, enjoying Tramlines after receiving tickets through Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind.

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Kion said: “I love music, and I like to go to as many concerts and festivals as I can get to.”

Mark Mobbs, Marketing Manager for the city of Sheffield said: “ "We are delighted that Tickets for Good is here in Sheffield, and that we have partnered with them on making this video to celebrate the work they do.”

Charities and non-profit community groups are invited to sign up at events.ticketsforgood.co.uk/

Related topics:SheffieldTickets