In recent years there has been a growing awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. As the Chair of PLASA, I wanted to say a few words to support this endeavour and encourage you to as well.
Wherever you work in our industry, it can involve time away from home, long hours and at times, a sense of isolation. Our members are expected to solve problems and find solutions under pressure – and we’re good at it! However, there can sometimes be a personal and business cost…
“One in four people in the UK will have a mental health problem at some point. Where work related stress is prolonged it can lead to both physical and psychological damage, including anxiety and depression. Work can also aggravate pre-existing conditions, and problems at work can bring on symptoms or make their effects worse.”
“Over 11 million days are lost at work a year because of stress related illness at work.”
PLASA INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
PLASA has been raising awareness by hosting panel discussions, raising money through charity bike rides and hosting ‘Blackout Immersive’, the inspired project by Mig Burgess at PLASA Show 2019.
We are proud to be a strategic partner of UK National Arts Wellbeing Creative and are working with Music Support to provide safe places at all of our trade events and to raise awareness of the support they offer. We have also trained some of the PLASA team to become mental health first aiders.
SIGNPOST TO WELLBEING RESOURCES
PLASA has launched a new initiative called ‘Connect to Wellbeing’ to support you and signpost you to helpful organisations and resources.
To help us grow the initiative, we would like to hear from you if you have your own initiative or know of a useful resource. Email us at info@plasa.org.
Scroll down for several helpful resources…
UK Backstage Entertainment Industry Report
A pioneering study on mental health throughout the industry conducted by Dr Paul Hanna of the University of Surrey who has been working alongside the creative team behind the ‘Blackout Immersive’ installation.
https://gsauk.org/research
Rose Bruford #time4change
#time4change is a mental health charter for the performing arts which has created a vast support network across the industry.
www.time4changementalhealthcharter.com
Music Support
Music Support offer a range of mental health first aiders with an industry background who are trained to listen and recommend resources for professional support regarding mental health and/or addictions.
www.musicsupport.org
UK National Arts Wellbeing Collective
The UK National Arts Wellbeing Creative links like-minded organisations and individuals with the aim of improving wellbeing in the arts and cultural sectors.
www.uknawc.co.uk
Resources for managers
HSE has guidance on how managers can support employees, including a step-by-step workbook and a ‘Talking Toolkit’.
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wbk01.pdf
www.hse.gov.uk/stress/assets/docs/stress-talking-toolkit.pdf
Drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace
HSE has step-by-step guidance to manage drug and alcohol misuse at work, including advice on how to develop a drugs and alcohol policy.
www.hse.gov.uk/alcoholdrugs
Mental health first aid guidance
A large collection of posters, brochures and infographics for employers, all free to download.
https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/resources/for-workplaces/
Backup, the technical entertainment charity
Backup offer financial help to get industry professional back on their feet following accidents and illness.
www.backuptech.uk
PSA Stage Hand
Previously known as the PSA Welfare and Benevolent Fund, Stage Hand award small grants to help industry professionals in times of need.
www.psa.org.uk/pages/about-welfare-and-benevolent-fund