How our support makes a difference
Every year, we provide support to thousands of people in the film, TV, and cinema industry. Our goal is to support them in overcoming personal and professional obstacles.
Some individuals may need support with rebuilding their confidence or dealing with difficult situations. Others may require assistance in learning new skills or turning their dream projects into reality. We also offer practical solutions, such as emergency grants and mental health support, to provide the necessary help.
By providing support and services, we ensure that talented individuals who work behind the scenes, both on set and in offices, can continue pursuing their dreams and achieving success. We want them to feel fulfilled and have opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Read some of our stories from behind the scenes and learn how we have supported others.
Click here to read the stories
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
From the development of our mental health and wellbeing support to our COVID relief funds during 2020, Community Grants and industry-leading practical tools such as our Whole Picture Toolkit, there is a multitude of ways we have made a difference in the lives of those working behind the scenes in film, TV and cinema.
- Since April 2021 we have offered free access to 1,000+ counselling and legal advice sessions
- More than 15,000 calls to our Support Line since it launched in 2018
- 3,500+ financial grants provided over the last two years
- Since 2020 we have funded 43 Community Grants
We want everyone who supports us, or who might be thinking about asking for our help, to know the impact we can have.
Here we share stories from just some of those that have had their lives changed by our support and services, showing why the work we do is so vital – all thanks to our colleagues, supporters, partners and collaborators.
Stories from behind the scenes
Richard | Unit Manager from Wales

Richard felt his mental health suffer after a difficult period of trying to find steady work. Feeling the pressure not only to his mental health but to his financial situation as well, he sought help from the Film and TV Charity.
He received a stop-gap grant that meant he didn’t have to face becoming homeless and our mental health services also gave him the support he needed. He hopes that by sharing his story others in the industry will know that there are ways around or over that wall.
Natalie Chan | Film Producer from the Midlands

I first contacted the Film and TV Charity in March 2020, shortly after COVID-19 hit. I faced unemployment and uncertainty and generally felt at a low point. Once I’d contacted the Charity and discussed what I was going through, they sign-posted me to their various financial support available. As I had more time on my hands, I wanted to do something meaningful and valuable, so applied for one of their Community Grants so I could give back to my community.
I work as an independent producer, and in my other roles working in charitable and subsidised theatre, I know first-hand how hard it is to find money to get projects off the ground. After taking advice from my peers, and the BFI Network, I decided the best way to help others would be to create conversation-type workshops, looking specifically at how to fundraise for film projects. Speakers included financers, local councils and individuals who have donated to crowd funders to share how they work with filmmakers. It was extremely well-received, and I am so proud of what we managed to achieve.
The most beneficial impact I had from working with the Charity, is that I started to see my value and place within the industry again. Through this, I feel confident that I can make a positive difference by continuing to work in the industry. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Film and TV Charity to others!
Welcome to the Film and Television Charity. Calls are recorded for the purposes of quality and staff training. This is a confidential service, however, there are some exceptions to this and these are where there may be a risk to your own health and safety, that of others or if you have been involved in a crime. An advisor will be with you shortly, Thank You.
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