For this seminar we were joined by Mig Burgess who is a lifelong mental health patient and advocate for awareness. She has been key in the follow up evaluation study on the mental health and well-being of backstage professionals and was our host for the session – running through the results and findings of the 2021 backstage mental health evaluation and enabling questions to be asked and a discussion to take place.
ABTT Seminar: UK Well-being Survey Report – Evaluation 2021
You can find the “UK Well-being Survey Report – Evaluation 2021” chat here!
Resources:
Seminar Resources:
UK Well-being Survey Report 2021
UK Technical Backstage Entertainment Industry Mental Health Evaluation by Dr Paul Hanna (2019)
Article: Blackout Undertakes Pioneering Mental Health Research at PLASA 2019
Find out more about the campaign for workplace culture change using the link above!
AAPTLE (The Alliance of Associations and Professionals in Theatre & Live Events) includes representatives who work in all aspects of the theatrical and events community including more than two hundred thousand creative and production practitioners.
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.
Over time this group has grown into a working group with members from across the industry in a wide array of disciplines with the aim of getting directors, theatre companies, shows, producers, basically everyone to sign up to the Reset Better Charter and Principles to promote this new and improved way of working in the industry.
Relevant Organisations:
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.
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
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.
The 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.
Music Support – who also have a help line and offer a free subscription to the thrive app.
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
Home working ergonomics & Wellbeing – 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
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.