Mental Health and Well-being Resources

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England. At the ABTT we are delighted to be able to support our members with their Mental Health and Well-being and have put together a list of relevant resources, guidance and courses that may be of help to you during turbulent times. If you know of any resources that should be included please email admin@abtt.org.uk.

Mental Health and Well being Resources

ABTT Mental Health Training:

The ABTT Mental Health training is provided by ABTT Co-Chair and MHFA Trainer Mig Burgess Walsh, who brings her lived experience with bipolar disorder to the training she delivers and shares in a positive way her experience navigating mental health services. Mig uses these attributes to help others learn; to reduce stigma around this topic but most importantly to go on to provide support for others. Well known within our Industry, Mig takes great pride in being able to teach using the fantastic course materials from Mental Health First Aid England in the context of working backstage in theatre and live events and the challenges presented by the unique environment in which we work.

ABTT Online Mental Health First Aid Training (4 half day sessions)

Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and provide help on a first aid basis. MHFA England training won’t teach you to be a therapist, but just like physical first aid, it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis. Adult MHFA England courses are for everyone aged 16 upwards. Every MHFA England course is delivered by a quality assured Instructor Member who has attended our Instructor Training programme accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health, and is trained to keep people safe and supported while they learn. Find out more here!

ABTT Online Mental Health Champion Course ( 2 half day sessions)

The MHFA England champion course is a day’s training (or 2 half day sessions online) to educate and inform people more on mental health and well being. It is recommend in particular to anyone that has responsibility for managing people. The aim of the course is to educate and give people confidence in talking about and dealing with issues related to well being and mental health. In completing this course you have committed to learning more about mental health in the work place and being part of the change to reduce the stigma and create a culture where people can talk. Find out more here!

ABTT Online Mental Health Skills for Line Managers Training (half day session)

The MHFA England Mental Health Skills for Managers course was developed by workplace mental health experts, this training promotes mental health awareness and gives managers the skills and confidence to have mental health conversations. Managers who are able to support the mental health of their teams will encourage employees to thrive, increasing talent retention. Providing this training to everyone with people management responsibilities will ensure a consistent approach to mental health and wellbeing across teams and departments, promoting healthy performance throughout your whole organisation. Find out more here!

ABTT Guidance Notes “W” Series

The Guidance Notes ” W” series deals with legal duties and best practice for ensuring the welfare of all workers.

ABTT and BAPAM’s guidance on physical health for backstage staff in theatre.

The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) have launched the first-of-its-kind resource dedicated to fostering good physical health for backstage practitioners in the theatre sector.

The initiative champions healthy practices for backstage workers in the theatre and live production sector, where over 70% of the workforce identify as freelance workers . The two organisations, which have been collaborating since 2018, launched an infographic at the ABTT Theatre Show in London on 6th June 2024. Drawing on the ABTT’s deep understanding of the sector and BAPAM’s clinical expertise in health and wellbeing, the infographic uses the mnemonic S.T.A.G.E. C.R.E.W. Each letter highlights key actions workers can take to maintain physical health and well-being and minimise the risk of injury or chronic conditions: Sleep, Training and Technique, Appetite and Diet, Good Hygiene, Environment (risk assessments), Clinical Support, Rest and Recovery, Exercise and Warm Up. Find out more here!

Relevant Organisations:

Arts Minds

Applause for Thought: facilitates free and low cost mental health support, talks, consultancy and mental health training for those working in the arts and entertainment industry.

Be Extra: a centre for wellbeing in the arts. Be Extra is new, non-profit organisation founded by creatives for whom the arts are central to their lives and mental health.

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

CALM Helpline: 0800 58 58 58, 7 days a week, 5pm-Midnight. Support, information and signposting, available to anyone.

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.”

Culture Health and Wellbeing Alliance: a library of resources on different topics including freelance support and guidance for working online. The Alliance is also the secretariat of the APPG for Arts, Health and Wellbeing.

Developing Workplace Cultures: A blog post from the AMA on how workplaces can become better at meeting the wellbeing and mental health needs of employees.

Every Mind Matters An NHS resource providing simple tips and advice to start taking better care of your mental health.

Headspace app is a mindfulness mobile phone application with exercises and podcasts aimed at helping you find more joy, less stress and a better nights sleep. It has a free option, and a subscription option.

Hub of Hope: a NHS weblink that you put your post code into click the support you are looking for and it finds ALL the local options in your area

Industry Minds : Operates a confidential and vital service for those in the arts with counseling, Graduate Support Programme

Inc Arts Minds: Inc Arts have partnered with Chanua Health to provide free group therapy led by qualified counsellors for people who have experienced racism. Available for anyone working in the arts, museums and libraries in the UK.

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.

Mind.org.uk: Information and signposting service, available to anyone.

Music Support – who also have a help line and offer a free subscription to the thrive app. 0800 030 6789, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. Listening service for anyone working in the UK music industry.

My Whole Self Campaign: Find out more about the campaign for workplace culture change using the link above!

Playing Sane: this organisation is dedicated to improving mental health experiences for actors, their colleagues and carers. They have a collection of free, downloadable resources including printable posters and handouts.

Reset Better originally started as a small group of PMF members during The Great Pause of 2020/21 brainstorming the ideas around going back to an industry that has a better work/life balance and how the mindset of “We’ve always done it this way” has left many of our co-workers burnt out and mentally scarred as they compete in the workplace contending with low pay, long hours and often little respect for their part in helping to create world-beating art.

The Samaritans: 116 123, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Listening and support for anyone struggling to cope.

SAFERTheatre – Improving Workplace Health*: a blog written for us by Phill Brown, SOLT and UK Theatre’s Head of Risk

Scottish Ballet’s wellness work*: An article written by Sebastian Cater, our Head of UK Theatre and Workforce Development, on how Scottish Ballet are supporting wellness in the workplace

Solas Mind: offer counselling, coaching, training and wellbeing support to the theatre, TV and film industries.

TALK for anyone in the entertainment industry this is a Twitter based peer to peer support group.

Time for Change Mental Health Charter

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.

Theatre Means Business Mental Health and Well-being seminars: digital learning resources for people working in off-stage roles in Theatre.

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.

Wellbeing in Theatre: provides mental health and wellbeing support to theatre organisations and their employees (including freelancers) by offering access to trained Counsellors, wellbeing advice, workshops and drop-in mental health surgeries.

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 Minds campaign from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to help employers and managers to prevent stress and support good mental health. The campaign brings together all the resources you need to get started including templates and free online learning.

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

Blackout Immersive Website

Lucy Heyman’s research on musicians’ health and wellbeing

Museums and Galleries and wellbeing Art Fund Report

Professor Rosie Perkins’ research at the Royal College of Music

The Looking Glass Mental Health and Wellbeing study commissioned by the Film and TV Charity

Working & Well-being

A Balancing Act: The young professional’s guide to mental health while remote working and career planning

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.

Working from home: A guide to creating a healthy and productive workspace at home: includes practical tips and advice to manage health and maintain work-life balance whilst working from home.

Working from home – Creative ways to support mental health

Other Relevant Online Training:

Creating an Organisation Resilience Checklist*: this free recorded webinar helps employers gain an understanding of a resilient working culture, and what your organisation needs to cultivate this.

Creating Your Racism Defence Strategy*: this free recorded webinar explores the impact of racism and strategies to support people who experience both direct and systemic racism.

Good, Bad and Ugly Stress*: a free recorded webinar exploring fun and achievable ways of tackling stress and unpicking what it actually is.

Leading a Resilient Team*: this free recorded webinar explores the neuroscience behind resilience, and helps managers develop practical strategies to help staff build strength and adaptability.

Leading Healthy and Productive Teams*: a free recorded webinar to help managers understand the moral, legal and financial arguments for managing wellbeing, and the prevention of stress.

Looking after your body to look after your mind*: this free recorded webinar explores proven techniques that fit easily into everyday life, using your body to keep stress in place.

Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing: this online training course from IOSH provides practical advice and tools for managers to help create a healthy and productive place of work.

Managing Teams Through Rapid and Complex Change*: a free recorded webinar covering practical psychological models of change to help managers understand why individuals and teams respond the way they do and what to do about it.

Mindfulness for Theatre Professionals*: this free recorded webinar in an informal and experiential introduction to mindfulness, exploring the intersection between wellbeing, self-care and neuroscience.

Suicide First Aid: suicide prevention training that teaches and practices the skills and knowledge needed to identify someone who may be thinking about suicide and competently intervene to help create suicide-safety as a first-aid approach.

Staying Resilient in Uncertain Times*: this free recorded webinar covers tools, tips and techniques to build resilience.

Ways to Wellness*: a free recorded webinar covering proactive ways in which to redefine, understand and prioritise looking after your mental health and wellbeing.

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)

Gambling Addiction Guide

Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212 (daily, 10am to midnight)

Screen and mobile device addiction

Mental Health and Well-being Resources