This blog looks at how live events can help us feel more connected, lift our mood, and give us a break from the everyday. It’s a reminder of how important shared experiences can be for our mental wellbeing.
In day-to-day life, it’s easy to get swept up in work, and sometimes everything can feel a bit overwhelming. This is especially true if you’re on the frontlines; whether you’re working in the NHS, in a classroom, or for a charity. Burnout, stress, and feeling disconnected from the world around us are all too common.
But sometimes, that feeling of disconnection can be solved almost instantly — by being in a crowd. Live events like concerts, sports matches, and theatre performances have a way of lifting our mood and helping us feel part of something bigger. Another one of the benefits of events is how they allow us to press pause on our lives and just be in the moment. They remind us who we are.
There’s nothing quite like seeing one of your favourite artists perform live, singing along with thousands of others who are just as excited as you are. In that moment, you're not alone. You’re surrounded by people who feel exactly the same. These moments of connection — with music, with strangers, yourself — are the ones that stay with us the longest.
And thanks to organisations like Tickets for Good, these experiences are becoming more accessible for the people who need them most. Tickets for Good partners with live event organisers across the UK to provide free and discounted tickets to NHS workers, teachers, charity staff, and others receiving cost of living support. By removing the financial barrier, we’re helping people reconnect with their communities, and with the kind of moments that make life feel that little bit lighter!
When it comes to looking after our mental health, we often focus on things like rest, exercise, and therapy. But there’s another, often overlooked remedy: live events.
Recent studies have found that attending live events is linked to reduced levels of stress, improved mood, and even a stronger sense of life satisfaction. One study by Anglia Ruskin University highlighted that people who attend live sporting events not only experience greater connection to others but also less loneliness, showcasing one of the key benefits of sporting events for mental well-being.
Another found that live music experiences can boost happiness and leave a lasting emotional impact by creating something called "collective effervescence" — those goosebump moments we spoke about earlier when we feel totally connected to the crowd around us.
According to the Cambridge Network, these moments offer a break from daily pressures and provide the chance to focus fully on the present. In a world full of constant notifications, deadlines, and to-do lists, that kind of focused enjoyment is needed more than ever.
Another one of the benefits of in person events are that they allow us to step outside of our routines, meet new people, and reconnect with our sense of curiosity. Whether it’s having a meaningful conversation with someone new, sharing a laugh with a friend, or simply soaking in a new experience, these moments help satisfy a deep human need for connection. And this is true not just for music and sports, but also for the benefits of live theatre, which offers its own unique set of advantages, such as fostering creativity, emotional engagement, and community bonding.
Taking time out for these kinds of experiences isn’t a luxury — it’s a form of self-care. And it’s especially important for people in high-pressure roles like healthcare, teaching, and community work, where burnout is far too common.
Attending live events can mean so much to different people, and many NHS workers have shared how these events have helped improve their mental health. Here’s two examples from NHS staff who benefited from attending events through Tickets for Good:
“I had a great night, although I just arrived in time for the start even though the venue is literally 15 minutes from my home as I was struggling with my mental health. This is the second event I’ve attended with Tickets for Good’s help and also only the second time I’ve been able to attend a social event this year. Thank you for your continuing support, and with the confidence you're giving me growing, I’m looking at applying to do volunteer work. Thanks again.”
“I know that ticket sites like yours exist for the wellbeing of NHS staff. I’ve had a really horrible week with my Complex PTSD and getting out was incredibly helpful. Thank you for making it possible. ❤️”
These quotes perfectly show how live events can provide more than just an enjoyable experience; they offer NHS workers a sense of community and an opportunity to break free from the stress of their everyday responsibilities.
Whether it’s the chance to relax, connect with others, or regain a sense of confidence, live events play a vital role in supporting the mental health of those who dedicate so much of themselves to helping others.
Attending live events also provides an opportunity to build social connections and strengthen community relationships.
For individuals in demanding roles, like NHS staff, live events can be a way to step outside the pressures of daily work and connect with others who understand their challenges.
Here are just a few ways live events help make those meaningful connections happen:
Live events bring together people from all walks of life, creating natural spaces for individuals to meet others with shared interests. This is particularly important for NHS workers, who often experience isolation due to the demanding nature of their work. When attending an event, there's an instant connection with others who are enjoying the same experience, making it easier to spark new conversations.
Social connection is fundamental to mental health. Research shows that strong support networks can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being. For NHS staff, these connections are essential, not only for emotional support but also for enhancing job satisfaction. Live events offer a space to create these networks, fostering a sense of belonging that can be hard to find in day-to-day work environments.
One of the benefits of live music as a way of bringing people together is how no matter who you speak to at the event, there is an underlying shared interest. Every member of the audience could be from a different walk of life, and yet still have something in common with the person stood next to them.
Conversations are therefore easy to strike up, and you could end up creating a new friendship just from attending a concert of an artist you admire. This kind of community, created from mutual interest, helps bridge gaps between one another and form real connections.
Tickets for Good plays a key role in making these community-building opportunities accessible to its members by offering free or discounted tickets to live events. It allows its members to attend events alongside their peers and meet other people who share similar experiences and challenges.
For NHS staff, charities, teachers, or those receiving cost of living support who want to get involved, the process is simple:
We all deserve a break and the chance to feel part of something bigger. Live events offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, make meaningful connections, and boost your mental well-being. If you're an NHS worker, teacher, charity staff, or someone receiving cost-of-living support, Tickets for Good is here to make those moments possible with free and discounted event tickets.
Sign up today and start exploring the wide range of events available near you.