Welcome to your…
Oliver! Support Page
Welcome to your company’s support page.
If you are viewing this page, you are a member of the company, creative or production team for Oliver! 2026.
Below you will find information on your Wellbeing Lead, as well as information, resources and booking details that will be relevant to those seeking support at any point throughout the production.
This support is provided by Applause for thought.
Who are your Mental Health First Aiders?
A Mental Health First Aider at work is someone you can approach if you’re struggling with your mental health or feeling overwhelmed. They are there to listen without judgement, offer initial support, and help you think about next steps, whether that’s taking a break, accessing workplace support, or finding professional help. Mental Health First Aiders are not therapists, but they can provide a confidential, supportive space and guide you towards appropriate resources when you need it.
Martin Hope - Company Manager
Joanne McGahon - Dep Company Manager
Natasha Guzel - Deputy Stage Manager
Stacy Armstrong - Sound Assistant No.3
Hannah Johnson - Associate Producer
Jane Decaro (Youth) - Dep Head Chaperone
Sophia Decaro (Youth) - Chaperone
Daniel Dowling (Youth) - Chaperone
Your Wellbeing Lead
Jay Mailer
Jay originally trained and worked professionally as an actor before redirecting his practice towards becoming a qualified person-centred therapist. This journey continues to inform his work, allowing him to combine creativity, empathy and reflective practice in meaningful ways.
Jay now works predominantly with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, supporting their emotional wellbeing and personal development. Alongside his therapeutic practice, he works as a Wellbeing Worker for the National Youth Theatre and for Applause For Thought. Jay is also the Welfare Manager for Compass Collective, an arts charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
Jay is passionate about creating thoughtful, inclusive and supportive spaces where individuals can feel heard, valued and empowered.
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What are check ins?
Check-ins are not a therapeutic or HR space, but instead offer a chance for you to speak to someone 1:1 outside of your organisation about mental health and wellbeing.
Check-ins will be 25 minutes long (in some cases they can be longer) and are facilitated in person or on zoom.
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What can I expect?
Check-ins are not designed to fix or solve but instead support and guide you and allow a safe space for conversation.
They are a space that can offer an impartial, non-judgemental and empathic ear. You can come to chat, offload, get support and resources or signposting to longer term support.
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How can I prepare?
You might want to spend some time reflecting on what you would like to talk about and get out of the session.
Don't let things feel really heavy before reaching out, there is no threshold and you don't have to have "something to talk about". Neither will you be taking the time away from anyone else (something that always comes up because we are all so polite!)
Book a Check-in
A NOTE ON CONFIDENTIALITY
(IMPORTANT - please read)
When you book in with one of our Wellbeing Leads, Production Wellbeing Practitioners or engage with our support services, please know that your conversations are held in strict confidence. We only consider breaking confidentiality in rare circumstances where there is a serious and immediate risk to your safety or the safety of others, such as suicidal intent, plans to cause harm, or where someone is at risk of serious harm. In these cases, we may need to share limited information with appropriate support services to protect your wellbeing.
If we are meeting face-to-face in the building (e.g. in the theatre or production offices) and it is assessed as a mental health emergency, we would be obliged to inform a designated member of the company team to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
We also ask for your GP details at the point of booking, so that we can respond quickly and appropriately in the unlikely event of a crisis. Your personal information is handled in line with strict GDPR standards and is stored securely for the duration of your engagement on a show or employment contract.
Confidentiality decisions are never taken lightly and where possible we will always try to collaborate with you before proceeding. Your trust and safety are at the forefront of what we do, and we are here to support you with care, professionalism, and compassion.
If you have any concerns about your AFT Wellbeing Lead please email info@applauseforthought.co.uk
Need a GP?
You can register with a GP practice even as a temporary resident. Visit www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-practice for guidance.
Take a moment to reflect…
Have I eaten and had enough water today?
Have I moved my body recently?
How am I feeling right now?
Who could I talk to if I needed support?
Support from AFT
Applause for Thought (AFT) is a multi-award-winning Community Interest Company, founded in 2019, providing mental health support across the arts through check-ins, training, workshops, consultancy, and community. AFT creates safe spaces for individuals to prioritise wellbeing and access professional guidance.
Connects you with vetted mental health professionals experienced in the arts. Many offer discounts, just mention AFT. Support includes therapy, coaching, and more.
Explore our curated arts and mental health resources for inspiration, guidance, or a safe space.
More info about AFT, our mission, ethos and what we offer to both individuals and organisations.
A free monthly Zoom session offering understanding, connection, and practical insight into the psychological & emotional challenges that can come with injury recovery. Led by Injury Psychologist Dr Carl Bescoby.
A free monthly Zoom session for parents in the industry to connect, share, and reflect. Led by psychotherapist and parent Charlotte Sharpe, each session explores a theme and offers space for supportive discussion.
A free monthly Zoom session for performing arts professionals at any stage of their career who are currently out of work and seeking connection and support. Led by Wellbeing Coach Laura White.
Practical tools to help manage stress
The Stress Container is a visual tool that helps you understand how stress builds up and how to manage it. Stressors fill the container, and without release, it can overflow, leading to overwhelm. Coping strategies act like taps, helping to relieve pressure and maintain balance like the below:
Regularly speak with your Mental Health First Aider or AFT Wellbeing Lead, and nurture relationships with close friends or family for ongoing emotional support.
connect and check in
Set aside “non-negotiable” time for things that recharge you—like journaling, reading, mindful cooking or showering, herbal teas, or hobbies that help you reset.
protect time for joy and calm
Build pre- and post-show self-care routines, and use your commute to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks that help you transition and decompress.
create simple rituals
move and breathe
Practice yoga, Pilates, stretching, walks in nature, or grounding exercises like breathwork and meditation to reduce stress and reconnect with your body
Explore wellbeing apps such as Headspace, Calm, Breathe2Relax, or Breathe with James to support focus, calm, and emotional balance.
use tools that support you
Aim for consistent sleep and rest, take breaks from screens or news when needed, and communicate your needs early—before your stress container overflows.
prioritise rest and boundaries
Do you feel in crisis?
If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, you're not alone, and there’s support out there for you. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, sadness, or just need someone to talk to, help is always available. You can call Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123 for free, confidential support. If you prefer to text, Shout offers a 24/7 messaging service, just text 85258 to speak with a trained volunteer.
In an emergency or if you feel unsafe, please call 999 or contact NHS 111 for urgent mental health help.
Samaritans – samaritans.org
Shout – giveusashout.org
NHS Mental Health Services
You deserve support - please reach out
Youth Support Resources
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Young Minds
Charity for young people’s mental health
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Papyrus
Young suicide prevention charity
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Childline
Helpline for children’s mental health
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The Mix
Mental Health Community for young people