Free Clinic for Performing Arts Professionals Opens in Leicester

BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) have opened a free performing arts medicine clinic in Leicester, hosted by PPL PRS.
One of eight specialist clinics across the UK (joining Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Gateshead/Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds and London), the clinic in Leicester is run by GP, Dr Diana Newson, and will meet the need for health support for the thriving creative community in Leicester and the East Midlands.
BAPAM is the medical charity for the performing arts in the UK, providing specialist clinical support for artists and professionals, including students in training, across the sector – from music to dance and theatre, backstage professionals and everything in between. In an industry where most workers are gig economy freelancers, BAPAM’s clinical service helps people solve work-related health problems quickly and safely, enabling them to continue to perform, create, teach and practise.
The establishment of the clinic comes as Leicester Music Conference kicks off on 26th February.
BAPAM CEO Claire Cordeaux, who will be taking part in the conference said:
“BAPAM has over 40 years of experience supporting performing artists, creators and professionals. We understand the unique physical and psychological demands of a creative career and we are here to make sure that people get the care they need to have healthier and more sustainable working lives. We’re delighted to be providing free expert health advice for the thriving performing arts community in Leicester and the East Midlands and are grateful to PPL PRS and the Leicester Music Board for their support for the clinic.”
Greg Aiello, Managing Director at PPL PRS Ltd commented:
“The creative arts are at the very heart of what PPL PRS does; the music licence fees we collect from businesses are paid back to music creators as royalties, and we are proud to have some wonderfully creative people who are members of our teams here.
We are honoured to be able to support BAPAM by hosting their free expert clinics here in Leicester City Centre. Providing these free health clinics for talented, creative people across Leicestershire and the East Midlands is vital to ensuring that they can access the care they need and enable them to continue to create and perform.”
Yasin El Ashrafi, Owner of HQ Recording Studio, HQ Familia record label and a Director of HQ CAN (Community Arts Network) Community Interest Company said:
“The launch of the BAPAM clinic in Leicester is a hugely important step for our performing arts community. Too often, artists struggle in silence when it comes to their physical and mental wellbeing, so having access to a free, trusted and specialist service like this locally is genuinely transformative. Leicester has an incredibly diverse and hardworking creative workforce, and this clinic sends a clear message that their health, longevity and careers matter. We’re proud to support bringing this resource to the city and encouraging artists to prioritise their wellbeing without fear or stigma.”
This GP-led clinic takes place at PPL PRS, Mercury Place, St George St, Leicester, LE1 1QG.
To book an appointment please call the BAPAM Helpline on 020 8167 4775 or email us at info@bapam.org.uk.
Online appointments are also available with a range of performing arts specialist clinicians, providing accessible assessment and treatment advice. We can help with both physical and psychological health concerns.