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 Logo Red

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

film tv charity

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.

Screenshot 2019 04 08 at 16.55.36

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

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

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

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.

film tv charity

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 Logo Red

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 logo middle

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

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

MITC Black

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

Book without the background

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