Education

Equals

Prevention

Applause for thought is a multi-award winning community interest company that facilitates mental health awareness and support within the performing arts industry. We champion whole-industry care, recognising that creative work thrives when everyone, across all roles and levels, is supported with compassion and consistency.

  • Purple background with white handwritten-style text that says "Talks & Workshops."

    We deliver events, talks and workshops about mental health awareness to companies & training institutions in the performing arts industry.

    FIND OUT MORE
  • The image features the word 'Courses' written in white cursive font on a purple background.

    We facilitate accredited MHFA England Mental Health Courses at a 40% discount. To find out more visit our “book a course” page or click the link below.

    BOOK A COURSE
  • Text that says 'Individual Support' on a purple background.

    Access general and arts related mental health support and resources, our directory of practitioners offering discounted rates to those working in the arts, and our AFT communities by clicking the link below.

    FIND SUPPORT
  • Text reading 'Organisational Support' on a purple background.

    We work with organisations, training establishments and production companies to create bespoke mental health and well-being schemes.

    FIND OUT MORE

We all need support sometimes

As a non-profit, Applause for thought provides creative resources, tools, and strategies to support mental health within the performing arts community. Scroll down to find out more about what we offer.

Quick Links To Lower Cost or Free Support

  • Free Monthly Sharing Space for Parents

    Join us online for a one hour free monthly listening and sharing space for anyone who is a parent and working in the industry.

    Find out more

  • Free Monthly Sharing Space for those in between work

    Join us for a one hour free monthly listening and sharing space for anyone who is currently navigating the “inbetween bit”…

    Find out more

  • Lower Cost Mental Health Support

    Visit our practitioner directory page to access lower cost therapeutic services like psychotherapy, coaching and holistic support.

    Find out more

  • Free Monthly Sharing Space for those recovering from an injury

    Join us online for a one hour free monthly listening. andsharing space for anyone who is in recovery from an injury.

    Click Here

Individuals

The performing arts industry is vibrant but demanding, where creativity meets intense pressure. Individuals in the industry face unique challenges affecting their mental health. The pursuit of excellence can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. As we work under tight deadlines and high expectations, mental health support is crucial. Access to resources and a culture prioritising wellbeing can help you navigate these pressures, fostering resilience and creativity.

  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in the UK equips individuals to support those with mental health issues. It covers identifying symptoms, providing initial support, and guiding toward professional help. Participants foster supportive environments and reduce stigma, with training applicable in workplaces, schools, and communities. The goal is to empower mental health first aiders and enhance overall wellbeing.

  • AFT has a directory of fully qualified, industry-informed therapists, counsellors, and coaches, each offering a discount to individuals who reach out through AFT. This discount is available to all, with no means testing required; there's no need to provide a payslip. Whether you're seeking support for personal development, mental health, or guidance, you can access these professional services at a reduced rate.

  • Explore a wealth of general and arts-based resources designed to help you find exactly what you need. Our extensive collection offers a range of strategies and tools tailored to support your search, whether you're looking for practical information or supportive helplines.

  • We facilitate free online monthly group sessions for different communities within the arts. A safe space to connect, learn, share and reflect with each other.

Organisations

In the performing arts, team wellbeing is crucial. AFT partners with organisations to develop tailored packages addressing their unique needs. Our services include group sessions, risk assessments, mental health policies, training and ongoing 1-1 support. We also assist with content warnings and support resources. AFT is committed to prioritising mental health and fostering a positive environment for creativity.

  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England training teaches individuals to identify and support employees or faculty facing mental health challenges. In high-pressure organisations, this training is essential for recognising signs of distress, enabling early intervention, and fostering a culture of care. Trained staff can enhance communication and provide necessary resources, leading to improved employee well-being, reduced absenteeism, and better productivity. In stressful environments, MHFA training helps maintain a resilient workforce.

  • If you’d like to get in touch to discuss your organisation’s needs, please email us at info@applauseforthought.co.uk

  • Are you a drama school seeking to enhance your curriculum with a focus on mental health? We have partnered with Crystal Nicholls, ex-performer and coach, to design a programme tailored for the performing arts, equipping students with tools to support mental health and foster resilience. For more information on integrating this into your training, please contact us via info@applauseforthought.co.uk
Applause for thought newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for updates on mental health, insights from practitioners, and the intersection of mental health in the arts.

Latest News

View fullsize This month's thoughts from a therapist @victoriaabbotttherapy theme is all about the psychology of being a dep, swing, cover or understudy. 💭 “The show must go on” is not just a saying for deps, swings,&nbs
View fullsize We think it is time for a reintroduction! 👋 You may be familiar with what we do at AFT, but we wanted to spend some time spotlighting the (awesome) people behind the support. Over the next month or so, we'll be introducing you to everyone in our Me
View fullsize 💭This month’s thoughts from a therapist @victoriaabbotttherapy theme is all about the psychology of being a dep, swing, cover or understudy. The people who learn every track. Who hold multiple versions of a show in their head and body at onc
View fullsize Calling anyone in the arts & entertainment industry who’s in-between gigs right now and looking to build self-belief 📣 Our next free session of ‘Applause for the inbetween bit’ is open for booking and will be on: 📆Monday 29t
View fullsize 💭 This month’s thoughts from a therapist @victoriaabbotttherapy aligns with Mental Health Awareness Week and its theme of ACTION. In this slide we break down the ACTION you could take right now. You do not need to OVERHAUL anything this we
View fullsize Calling all performers, dancers, creatives and crew navigating injury and recovery right now.... 📣 Our next ‘Applause for... the Injury Bit’ Session is open for booking! 📆 Tuesday 16th June ⏰ 2:00 - 3:00 pm 💻 Online The theme thi
View fullsize We are excited to announce that we are supporting the West End transfer of Cyrano de Bergerac @cyranowestend playing at the Noel Coward Theatre 🤥💌 We are so grateful to the team @wessexgrove for investing in this work to help support those working
View fullsize 💭 This month’s thoughts from a therapist @victoriaabbotttherapy aligns with Mental Health Awareness Week and its theme of ACTION. In this slide we break down the ACTION you could take on an ongoing basis. Mental health isn’t a problem
View fullsize 📣 Calling all parents and creatives out there! Our next Applause for Parents session will be taking place on: 📆Mon 29th June ⏰11:30am 💻via Zoom Our next session will explore MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH. 𝐈𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭
View fullsize We think it is time for a reintroduction! 👋 You may be familiar with what we do at AFT, but we wanted to spend some time spotlighting the (awesome) people behind the support. Over the next mont
View fullsize 💭 This month’s thoughts from a therapist @victoriaabbotttherapy aligns with Mental Health Awareness Week and its theme of ACTION. In this slide we break down the ACTION you could take as an individual. Most of us have been taught to manage
View fullsize 💭This month’s thoughts from a therapist @victoriaabbotttherapy aligns with Mental Health Awareness Week and its theme of ACTION. In this slide we break down the ACTION you could take during training. Performing arts training institutions are
View fullsize A massive thank you to @royalballetandopera for choosing us to deliver your Mental Health First Aid Course! ⛑️ In May 2026, 15 MHFAiders across different departments completed their qualification. A true commitment to mental health education within
View fullsize 💭This month’s thoughts from a therapist @victoriaabbotttherapy aligns with Mental Health Awareness Week and its theme of ACTION. In this slide we break down the ACTION you could take in your communities.  Loneliness is one of the most signif
View fullsize We think it is time for a reintroduction! 👋 You may be familiar with what we do at AFT, but we wanted to spend some time spotlighting the (awesome) people behind the support. Over the next mont

Make a donation.

AFT is a non-profit community interest company dedicated to supporting mental health in the performing arts. Our mission includes enriching the industry through events, bursaries, and outreach programmes designed to benefit artists and the community at large. Every donation made to AFT directly contributes to these initiatives, ensuring that we can provide valuable resources and opportunities for individuals engaged in the performing arts. Thank you for considering a contribution to our cause. Your support makes a meaningful difference.