The ArtsMinds Initiative
A new website has launched aimed at supporting entertainment professionals facing mental health issues.
ArtsMinds is a joint initiative between Equity, The Stage, the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine and Spotlight. The website provides users with advice on areas such as relationships, careers, health and finances.
The site collates resources relevant to each situation and concern, with links to charities and organisations that can offer support.
After a series of suicides within the acting community in 2013 and 2014, including those of Richard Gent and Paul Bhattacharjee, research into the difficulties industry professionals face in terms of mental health challenges was conducted.
Chairman of The Stage, Catherine Comerford said the results had shown ‘just how destructive the audition knock-backs, low/no pay, and shortage of work can be’.
The survey, taken by more than 5,000 people, found that one in five of the entertainment sector had actively sought help for mental health issues.
It revealed that 46% of those who responded to a question about the state of their mental health described it as either poor or average.
Take a look at the ArtsMinds site now.
