Swedish news agency Aftonbladet has reported that a special helpline has been set up allowing volunteers, delegation members, crew, and artists involved with the production in Malmö access to mental health services.
Crisis Support via App
The helpline comes as part of a new app developed for everyone involved in the production acts in Eurovision this year, by SVT, the EBU, and the city of Malmö itself. Reportedly, the app advertises itself as providing: “24/7 support. If you’re struggling with thoughts, feeling stressed, sad or anxious, or struggling to concentrate or unwind, whether it’s work-related, or personal.” The app has been active since March, when it catered primarily to SVT’s own production staff developing the show, and will work in tandem with two on-site therapists to help those in the arena.
Support through to the end
According to Aftonbladet, the helpline will be open in multiple languages until the end of May 15th, to help artists deal with the after effects of the competition. This follows on from previous efforts rolled out to those involved in Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s internal selection for Eurovision. It comes as concerns surrounding the psychological effects of Eurovision participation, and the strain of dealing with the increased levels of scrutiny and pressure return to the forefront of conversations around the competition. These worries are heightened as controversy mounds surrounding the inclusion of Israel in this year’s competition, with artists coming under pressure from fans calling for boycotts, and the EBU itself calling for an end to online abuse of artists in April.
The story of Eurovision 2024 so far…
The Nordic country will host the 68th edition of the competition. This is after Loreen’s historic win at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. One month after the 2023 contest took place, SVT revealed the first names of the Core Team that will work on the competition. SVT completed the team in September.
In July 2023, after a shortlist of four cities, it was announced that Malmö would host Eurovision 2024. The city will spend up to €2.5 million for the contest. Additionally, they will have 600 volunteers working for the show.
As for the upcoming contest, there will be 37 countries participating. Luxembourg will be returning, whilst Romania withdraws. ‘United By Music’ will be the permanent slogan for the contest. The upcoming contest will have ‘The Eurovision Lights’ as the theme art. The stage, designed by Florian Wieder and Fredrik Stormby was revealed in December.
Do you welcome this move from SVT? Are you concerned by the pressure faced by artists? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we head towards rehearsals for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: Aftonbladet
Photo Credit: Torbjörn Ek
That Eurovision Site 
Rory Gannon