World Mental Health Day: Resources in the Creative Industries

Today is World Mental Health Day💭

According to the Preventative Care in the Creative Industries report released earlier this year(find the report here) 50% of respondents have had to seek professional mental health support because of working conditions in the Creative Industries, and only of those people, 30% had reported a pre-existing mental health condition.

Another important stat from the report was that 17% of respondents had positive experiences of mental health support at work. They cited a positive engagement with crisis support and preventative measures, such as; flexibility with working hours, culture of openness about mental health and proper breaks. Having reports that show these positive experiences of mental health support at work within the creative industries is great, but, the constant question is, how can we increase this percentage?

The creative industries is a wonderful sector of the UK market, but there are issues (similar to any other industry) that can lead employees, freelancers, self employed and learners to be less than eager to get up in the morning and continue on their creative journeys.

It's super important that employers and educators in the creative industries are aware of how they can support their employees and learners! To ensure the best experience and one that will allow high levels of efficiency and enjoyment, simply creating a positive working and learning environment can let employees and learners know they are in a safe space, where they can be themselves and build on their personal and professional development. These environments can be built and provided through preventative care strategies and supportive management.

To support anyone working or learning in the creative industries who may be feeling like they need some support, we've compiled a list of resources that you can come back to anytime you need a point in the right direction.

Mental Health Support & Guidance Resources - Mental Health Support resources for Creative Industry Workers:

https://bectu.org.uk/article/creative-industries-mental-health-support-and-guidance/

NABS - A support organisation for the advertising and media industry.

https://nabs.org.uk/about-nabs/

The Self Space - The world's first on-demand mental health service on the High Street.

https://theselfspace.com/for-individuals/

The Monday Morning Club - An East London based social enterprise, supporting an on and offline community by providing exercises, courses and digital tools.

https://www.mondaymorningclub.co.uk/

Leapers - A community that supports the mental health of freelancers and the self-employed.

https://www.leapers.co/

The Association of Illustrators - Developed by the AOI, Society of Authors and Association of Photographers, this resource aims to throw a light on some common issues encountered by creative freelancers.

https://theaoi.com/resources/professional-practice/mental-health-for-creative-freelancers/

These resources provide a variety of help in different forms, with some specialising in support for freelancers and self-employed, and others being available to a more generalised population.

Take 5 minutes today to make sure you're looking after yourself✨