Wellbeing Resources
A resource of both industry and public wellbeing support services including helplines, group networks and industry assistance organisations.
Whether you’re looking for resources for yourself or in order to help a colleague, we hope this resource page will aid you.
Backup will continue to develop the information provided here.
Helplines / Textlines
Backup Helpline – 0800 464 7068 – Full Details here
In addition to the Backup Helpline below is a list of other Industry and Public helplines / text lines for immediate wellbeing support
Music Support Helpline
HELPLINE: 0800 030 6789
Open: Monday – Friday, from 09:00 – 17:00
Available For: Anyone who works in UK music and live events
Overview: Help and support for peers who work in UK music and live events affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction challenges
The Film and TV Charity
HELPLINE: 0800 054 0000
Open: 24 Hours
Available For: Anyone working in the UK film, TV and cinema industry.
Overview: Helping and supporting film, TV and cinema. From advice and support, training, financial support, counselling.
Theatre Helpline
HELPLINE: 0800 915 4617
Open: 24 Hours
Available For: Anyone working in the theatre industry
Overview: 24 hour confidential service providing advice & support for any theatre professional. Supported by SOLT & UK Theatre
Samaritans
HELPLINE: 116 123
Open: 24 Hours
Available For: Anyone
Overview: Whatever you’re going through, you can call the Samaritans any time, from any phone for FREE.
Shout
TEXTLINE: Text ‘Shout’ to 85258
Open: 24 Hours
Available For: Anyone
Overview: Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
nhs moodzone
Available For: Anyone
Overview: Mental health helplines. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice.
Click below for various specific charity helplines.
Industry Charities
Backup provides financial aid for wellbeing support, if you, or someone you know is struggling and needs mental health support with a dedicated course of counselling click here
Backup sometimes collaborates with other industry charities to help individuals get the support that they need.
Below are some of the other industry charities Backup work’s with that provide wellbeing support either directly and/or financial aid for wellbeing help.
The Film and TV Charity
Available For: Anyone working in the UK film, TV and cinema industry.
Overview: Helping and supporting film, TV and cinema. From advice and support, training, financial support, counselling.
Music Support Helpline
Available For: Anyone who works in UK music and live events
Overview: Help and support for peers who work in UK music and live events affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction challenges
PSA – stagehand
Available For: PSA Members
Overview: Financial relief in cases of need, hardship or distress to people who are, or have been, members of the PSA, and their dependants. Other charitable purposes for the general benefit of the public
the theatrical guild
Available For: Anyone working in the UK Theatre industry
Overview: Helping and supporting backstage and FOH workers in Theatre. From advice and support, training, financial support, counselling.
Industry: Therapists / Support Groups / Training / Other Help
Information on various industry therapists, support groups, training and workshops and other help available.
Therapists
The Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) are a collective of therapists with an abundance of experience of working within and around the industry in various roles across all sectors. Each therapist in MITC has their own unique music industry experience and psychotherapy specialisms to help provide the best care possible for their clients.
Backup would recommend MITC where a grant applicant approaches us for financial aid for counselling and does not have a therapist in place already, or is looking for a recommendation for an industry based therapist.
Training
Addiction and Recovery Workshop
TPG – Tour Production Group have commissioned Music Support to create and deliver an Addiction and Recovery Aware training workshop. TPG and Music Support are able to offer bursaries to complete the training for FREE if you are a FREELANCER working in live music or live event production.
For further information about eligibility and how to apply visit https://musicsupport.org/addiction-and-recovery-workshop/
The free bursaries have been made possible thanks to funding from Backup, We Need Crew, Massive Attack, Hipgnosis Songs and Rock-it Cargo
Mental Health First Aider Training
The ABTT run MHFAider training courses provided by ABTT Co-Chair and licensed MHFA Trainer Mig Burgess Walsh. Mig takes great pride in being able to teach using the fantastic course materials from Mental Health First Aid England in the context of working backstage in theatre and live events and the challenges presented by the unique environment in which we work.
Music Support provides a range of mental health courses delivered by licensed instructors, accredited by Mental Health First Aid England. These courses are aimed at raising awareness of mental illness within the industry, enabling people to support themselves and others to aid recovery.
Did you know that if you are FREELANCE you can get FREE MHFAider training via our AJ Bursary, find our more and how to apply here
Other Help
Touring and Mental Health – The Industry Manual The Music Industry Therapist Collective (as mentioned above under industry therapists) have published the industry’s first manual on Touring and Mental Health. The Music Industry Manual is written by health and performing arts medicine professionals to provide robust clinical advice, cutting edge research, practical strategies and valuable resources. A must read for every freelancer and company working with freelancers. Find out more here