Mental Health Support Within The Arts

Mental health support is as unique as the individual seeking it. You might not find what you are looking for with us, so here you can explore a curated selection of resources dedicated to the intersection of arts and mental health. Whether you are seeking inspiration, guidance, or a safe space to share your experiences, these resources may be able to provide meaningful assistance. Please ensure to review each site carefully before reaching out as whilst we take care to only recommend trusted resources, we cannot guarantee quality or availability.

We appreciate that reaching out for support can be daunting. If you have any questions about our resource page, please email us at info@applauseforthought.co.uk

  • Industry Minds

    Counselling and support service to production companies across stage/screen. Mental Health seminars & training days for organisations in the arts.

  • Solas Mind

    Solas Mind offers an opportunity to talk with a fully qualified psychotherapist or accredited coach in a safe space and the probability is you will leave feeling better than when you arrived. On demand 1-1 sessions can be booked via their website for a fee.

  • Artist Wellbeing

    If you’re seeking project-specific support, career guidance, or personal counselling with a therapist experienced in the creative industries, explore the services offered by Artist Wellbeing below.

  • Iris Clinic

    Iris Clinic

    Iris Clinic offers eating disorder and body image counselling for female identifying performers. Understanding your challenges with food and body image, they provide the support you need to thrive.

  • Bectu

    Broadcasting, entertainment, communications and theatre union that provides its members with advice, legal support, career guidance and financial support.

  • Directors Charitable Foundation

    Resources and support for directors in the industry looking to improve their wellbeing and mental health. Also provides financial support.

  • 6ft From The Spotlight

    Promotes, designs and implements positive working cultures. Combining our industry knowledge with our training as mental health, wellbeing, leadership and employment law experts to deliver insightful support.

  • Wellbeing in the Arts

    Offers online and in-person sessions with experienced UK-based counsellors, all BACP or UKCP registered, who understand the unique challenges of the creative industries. Sessions start at £25.

  • Spotlight

    If you are 18+ and a registered member of spotlight you can access up to six free online counselling or coaching sessions per calendar year.

  • The Actors' Children's Trust

    ACT helps actors’ children enjoy stability and opportunity. We give financial, practical and emotional support to help parents working in our unpredictable acting industry.

  • Arts Minds

    ArtsMinds is a collaborative initiative from BAPAM, Equity, Spotlight and The Stage to bring together into one place a raft of resources for performers and creative practitioners facing mental health issues.

  • The Actors' Benevolent Fund

    The Actors' Benevolent Fund

    The Actors’ Benevolent Fund can support actors and stage managers who are unable to work due to health, life events, and old age and in financial need. The Actors' Benevolent Fund has grant programmes open to professional actors and stage managers.

  • BAPAM

    A specialist charity that sources and provides clinical experts delivering a varied selection of health and wellbeing services for the Performing Arts.

  • Be Extra

    Be Extra is a resource hub of interesting, fun and easy-to-digest digital resources to help support the mental health and wellbeing of creative minds.

  • Music Minds Matter

    At Music Minds Matter they understand the unique pressures a life in music can create, offering everyone working in the industry the right tools and support at the right time to stay mentally well.

  • Equity

    Advice on your rights at work, money, conditions, and industry best practice. Plus access legal support, pensions and insurance available to Equity members.

  • One Dance UK

    The Healthcare Practitioners Directory is a free searchable online database listing details of medical, psychological, and complementary health practitioners throughout the UK. All the individuals on the directory have been recommended by members of the dance profession

  • Film + TV Charity

    Get access to mental health support via their helpline, through sessions with a therapist or counsellor or their list of resources.

  • Backup Tech

    The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.

  • Theatre Chaplaincy UK

    TCUK was founded in 1899 as the Actor's Church Union and through its network of theatre chaplains now provides pastoral and practical support for people of all faiths and none: onstage, offstage, back-stage and Front of House.

  • ShowMinds

    Runs workshops and retreats
    allowing singing performers to concentrate on their mental scripts, and to work through stage anxiety and discover their true voice.

  • Tonic Music

    Tonic Music

    Offers a range of accessible programmes for comprehensive mental health support specifically designed and tailored for individuals working in the Music Industry.

  • The Theatrical Guild

    The Theatrical Guild

    UK charity supporting Backstage and Front of House staff, with over 130 years of service. Talk to us about practical help at any stage of your career – including financial support, mid-career training, counselling & therapy and welfare advice.

  • The Royal Theatrical Fund

    The Royal Theatrical Fund

    Do you work on stage, backstage, front of house, on camera, behind camera? Are you unable to work due to illness or injury? Are you in financial difficulties? If you have answered yes to all the questions and have worked professionally in the entertainment industry for a minimum of seven years, they are here to provide support and valuable benefit advice.

  • Association of British Theatre Technicians

    Association of British Theatre Technicians

    We are the membership organisation, setting and upholding standards in technical excellence, safety and compliance for live performance. We provide: a technical helpline for your technical queries, ongoing training for your professional development, guidance on the design and operation of venues, the Code of Practice for the Industry.

  • Drop The Act

    Drop The Act

    The wellbeing community for performers where they are encouraged to “drop the act”. Every other Monday performers can come together to speak candidly about their mental health - no performance, no pretences.

List of Arts Specific Helplines

If you are in the performing arts and seeking someone to talk to, several helplines can provide support and guidance tailored to your unique experiences:

Actors' Benevolent Fund: Offers confidential advice and support for performers facing challenges in their careers or personal lives. 020 7836 6378

BAPAM: Available for industry professionals, providing assistance and resources related to mental health and well-being. 020 7404 5888

Equity Helpline: Helps those in the performing arts with a range of issues from employment concerns to personal well-being. 020 7379 6000

Film + TV Charity : Helps those working in film and TV with their wellbeing and mental health in a range of ways. 0800 054 0000

Help Musicians : Helpline for musicians both working and retired who need to talk about accessing support. 0207 239 9101

Backup Tech: The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals. 0300 302 0068 

These services understand the pressures of the industry and can provide a listening ear and practical support. You are not alone; reach out to them for help.

Are you in crisis?

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, it is important to seek immediate support. Please be aware that AFT is not a crisis support organisation.

If you find yourself in urgent need, contact emergency services by calling 999, reach out to Samaritans at 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.

Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Accident & Emergency department.

Your wellbeing is a priority, and there are professionals available to help you.