World Mental Health Day – Free resources to support your staff
8 October 2021
As part of #WorldMentalHealthDay this Sunday 10 October, we want to ensure that those who work in the theatre industry are aware of the many support options available to them.
ABTT Mental health and well-being resources – a list of relevant resources that may be of help during turbulent times.
Action: Please share this information with your permanent and freelance staff.
Relevant Organisations:
BackUp – The Technican Entertainment Charity: provides financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals who are seriously ill or injured or to their surviving family members.
BAPAM – The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) is a unique charity set up to help anyone working in live performance to stay healthy.
In addition, the ISM Members Fund may be able to meet the costs of necessary treatment for members unable to cover these themselves.
BAPAM hosts free online one-to-one advice sessions on Health and Wellbeing: they holds free clinics where practitioners can obtain a free consultation with a clinician who has expertise appropriate to those who work in the performing arts.These are currently being done via telephone. To book an appointment call 0207 804 844
Every Mind Matters An NHS resource providing simple tips and advice to start taking better care of your mental health.
Industry Minds : Operates a confidential and vital service for those in the arts with counseling, Graduate Support Programme
March Network for anyone in the Arts, Culture or Heritage Sectors. It is one of 8 national networks funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of the 2018 Cross-Council Mental Health Plus call to further research into mental health.
TALK for anyone in the entertainment industry this is a Twitter based peer to peer support group.
Time for Change Mental Health Charter
The Cow Shed for Event Industry Professionals
“This is a fully confidential, mental health peer support group, primarily aimed at those working in the entertainment Industry, yet we are open to all.
What we hope to provide is a safe open place, where people can seek support, advice, help or offer the same. We are not professional counsellors but collectively we have all been through a lot. From depression to addiction, loss and just plain old stressed out. Through our experience, we’ve found that one person alone can do it, yet we can never do it alone. We are all here to ask for help, to listen or to offer help.”
TheatreSupport.info– offers centralised information about how and where you can access support if you work in the theatre industry.
TheatreHelpline.org is a free, independent and confidential phone and email service that provides support to people working in the theatre industry. Trained staff are available to offer support and signposting on any topic which affects your wellbeing.
The Theatrical Guild: are a UK charity for backstage and front of house workers, with over 125 years’ experience helping people.
You can talk to them about practical help at any stage of your career – from welfare and debt advice to financial support and counseling. The Theatrical Guild helps people across the UK to recover from ill health, overcome sudden set-backs, expand their skillsets, or speak with a counsellor. Every application is handled in total confidence and we will never speak to your employer about your circumstances.
UK NAWC (National Arts Wellbeing Collective) is made up of individuals and organisations who are committed to improve health and well being of people working with or for us in the arts, cultural and heritage employment sectors of the UK. They are a fantastic resource where you can find guidance and information about health and well-being, services, charities and organisations that can assist you.
Zero Suicide Alliance: is a collaboration of National Health Service trusts, charities, businesses and individuals who are all committed to suicide prevention in the UK and beyond. We are an alliance of people and organisations coming together around one basic principle: Suicide is preventable
Mental Health Resources:
Working from home – Creative ways to support mental health
UK Gov Guidance on mental health which you may want to share with your workforce
WhiteLight’s Kindness Spotlight: Looking After Your Mental Health – a few practical tips to ensure that we all continue to look after our wellbeing on a regular basis and that caring for our mental health remains a constant priority.
Article: Blackout Undertakes Pioneering Mental Health Research at PLASA 2019
Home working ergonomics & Well-being
With the extended lockdown, promoting the health & safety of your workers is vital. IOSH have created guidance to explain how we can help develop a positive mindset when working remotely.
Relevant Online Training:
Zero Suicide Alliance provide a range of awareness training options, which provide a better understanding of the signs to look out for and the skills required to approach someone who is struggling, whether that be through social isolation or suicidal thoughts.
Other Relevant Resources:
Change, Grow, Live: Crisis and Advice Helpline
Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (daily, 8am to midnight)
Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212 (daily, 10am to midnight)