Mental health and wellbeing resources
Whether you’re seeking ways to improve your own mental health and wellbeing at work, or you’re looking to support colleagues with theirs, we’ve put some resources together that we find helpful, in the hope that you will too.
Looking after yourself
Putting yourself first can feel like an impossible task, especially when working in a fast-paced, demanding environment like the film, TV, and cinema industry. Often, your physical and mental wellbeing can end up at the bottom of your to-do list.
Only 12% of respondents to our Looking Glass Survey 2024 said that they considered the industry to be a “mentally healthy place to work”. There is clearly a lot that still needs to change, such as working hours, proper training, and recruitment practices – all of which might be beyond your control. But there are simple steps you can take to safeguard your mental wellbeing and help you cope better at work.
Freelancer Wellbeing Check-In
Working in film and television can give you the freedom and flexibility to follow your passion. But it can also come with a lot of uncertainty and pressure. When you are your most important business asset, it’s vital that you look after your physical and mental health.
Start your wellbeing journey by taking our one-minute Wellbeing Check-In quiz. You'll get tailored advice to help manage common industry stressors, as well as tips on ways you can boost your wellbeing.
We know that mental health and wellbeing is inextricably linked with financial and other types of stress. Find out more about the financial support and guidance we can provide.
This free ScreenSkills eLearning module is designed for anyone working in the screen industries (film, TV, animation, VFX and games) who wants to develop their awareness of mental health. It identifies how you can support your own mental wellbeing and how to overcome industry-specific challenges that may prevent you caring for yourself and others.
Our Whole Picture Toolkit for mentally healthy productions can also support the practice of embedding mental health and wellbeing considerations into any stage of a production.
Specific training for the film, TV, and cinema industry
Our mental health training courses are tailored to equip screen industry professionals with practical tools, skills and insights to build healthier workplaces where everyone can produce their best work.
It may not always feel like it, but there is support available for people working in film, TV and cinema. It’s important to seek help when you need it, and getting help early can make it easier to get on top of things.
One of the easiest ways of doing this is by calling our Film and TV Support Line on 0800 054 0000 or by using our Live Chat. The Support Line is open 24/7 and provides in-the-moment support as well as access to all of our services. All the support we offer is free of charge and completely confidential.
If you need help in a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.
Mental health helplines for urgent help
- NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages and provide 24-hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for
- Mind have created this guide that outlines available mental health crisis services, how they can help, and when to access them
- Samaritans offer a confidential listening service, where they won't judge or advise, but just listen. You can call anytime on 116 123. Other ways of contacting them are on their website
Our Support Line is provided by the UK’s only BACP-accredited EAP provider. It provides high-quality, accessible, and inclusive counselling. To access the Film and TV Support Line call 0800 054 0000 or use our Live Chat.
Anyone working behind the scenes can also access six free counselling sessions via the Support Line. Our counsellors are experienced in working with LGBTQI+ and Black and Global Majority communities. Translators can be arranged for a range of languages, and you can also talk to a counsellor who uses British Sign Language.
We also recognise that it may be important to address specific needs or aspects of lived experience so we've provided some links to enable you to access individual therapy independently.
- How to find a therapist - Mind's guide explains what talking therapies are, what to expect, how to find a therapist and also a useful list of things to ask when booking your first appointment.
- Talking Therapies - NHS talking therapy services (or IAPT services), are free, confidential and delivered by accredited practitioners.
- The BACP Therapist Directory is an online, searchable directory of around 16,000 private therapists. Only registered or accredited BACP members can advertise, ensuring that all the counsellors listed meet BACP standards for training, experience, and ethical practice.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database, bringing local, national, peer, community, charity, private, and NHS mental health support and services together into one place.
- DisabilityPlus is the first UK counselling service to specialise in a comprehensive range of disabilities. It provides funding or subsidised counselling for Disabled people and those affected by disabilities.
- Black Minds Matter - Exists to address some of the many barriers that Black and Global Majority individuals face when accessing mental health support and connects people with free professional mental health resources.
Urgent support
Access immediate support by contacting our 24-hour Film and TV Support Line.
Worried about someone else
We can all feel awkward about asking someone if they’re all right in case we get it wrong. But for people experiencing a mental health problem, shame and silence can be as bad as the symptoms themselves.
Although it can be a competitive industry, it can also have a strong sense of community. Let’s look out for each other.
If you’re worried about someone else’s mental health, but don’t know what to say or how to support them if they want to seek help, here are some resources to guide you in a range of situations.
Samaritans provide supportive and practical advice if you're worried about someone else's mental health and aren't sure what to do. Learn more about the support they offer on their website.
Many people experiencing a mental health problem speak to friends and family before a health professional. Find advice here from Mind on how to support someone else to seek help.
The Mental Health Foundation highlights some of the common triggers that might impact on mental health at work and suggests how to reach out to a colleague in distress.
One in four people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. If you want to know more about specific mental health problems or symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, Rethink has a comprehensive guide.
The Zero Suicide Alliance is committed to suicide prevention and provides free online suicide prevention training.
Would you be interested in helping us to develop and enhance our services? Please email [email protected] to find out how to get involved.
Become a mentor
Support new entrants, those looking for support, or people returning to the industry after a break by signing up to the ScreenSkills mentoring programme.
Become a supporter
Whether you want to become an individual supporter or a corporate partner, we’ve pulled together all the ways you can get involved.
Other support available for you
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Support Line
Access out Support Line for friendly, confidential advice, around-the-clock. From financial guidance to legal advice, we're here for everyone working behind the scenes in film, TV, and cinema.
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Mental health and wellbeing support
Our trained team has lots of experience and can give you quick, discreet advice. We can help with grief counselling, bullying and harassment advice and support.
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Wellbeing Check-In
Freelancers face their own unique set of challenges. That’s why we’ve developed our Wellbeing Check-In for people freelancing in film , TV, and cinema.
