Helpline, free webinars to address mental health.

Resources are being thrown at the arts & entertainment industry to help combat mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Support Act Helpline, previously available to the Music Industry, has been extended to assist the wider Arts & Entertainment sector.

Health promotion charity Entertainment Assist is also providing free mental health support videos tailored to the industry.

Julia Edwards, General Manager of Entertainment Assist, said, “The financial hardship so many are facing has added to the strain on the mental wellbeing of these workers. We have recognised the need for urgent assistance and these free webinars are designed to provide important support, focusing on self-care and helping through these very stressful times.

“It is estimated half a million people across the industry have been affected by the crisis, many with no work or income. Now is the time to take care of ourselves, and to look out for friends, family and colleagues experiencing such uncertainty in our lives.

“The webinars provide 24/7 access for workers in a time when we are unable to deliver our training and information sessions. They have been developed with members of the Australian Entertainment industry who understand the industry in which people are five times more likely to suffer depression than the general population,” Julia said.

Topics include:

Finance
Sleep
Healthy Habits
Staying Connected

“We know there is a need and interest in these webinars as hundreds of industry workers registered for the sessions before we completed the filming and now they, and everyone in the industry, can access them for free online through our website at www.entertainmentassist.org.au,” she said.

“This is an important support service and we will continue to lobby the Federal and State Governments to provide free access to mental health services for Australian Industry workers.”