Financial support
Money and mental health
Financial hardship is closely linked to poor mental health. The cost‑of‑living crisis alongside an ongoing production downturn has added to existing worries for many people working in film, TV and cinema industry.
With tailored support, information and resources, we can help you find the right financial help – from one‑off crisis grants to practical tools like our budget planner and benefits finder.
Talk to someone right now
If it’s not an emergency but you want to talk to someone now, our free and confidential 24-hour Support Line is here for you.
Learn more about our financial support service
An overview of the grants and industry-specific financial guidance that we offer to help those struggling with bills or financial concerns.
Apply for a grant
If you work behind the scenes in film, TV or cinema, then you may be eligible for one of our grants, available to help you during times of financial difficulty.
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Stop-Gap Grant
Immediate support to help manage urgent financial need when you have nowhere else to turn
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Sir Horace Ové Grant
Helping Black and Global Majority film, TV, and cinema workers access opportunities with the Sir Horace Ové Grant
Financial tools and resources
When it comes to financial advice, it can be tricky to navigate all of the information and support available. We’ve created a list of useful financial resources that are designed to be specific and helpful for people working in film, TV, and cinema.
We have also partnered with MoneyHelper to provide a range of practical tools to help improve your financial wellbeing. Use our resources to help you take control of your finances by learning how to budget, save, and prioritise your bills.
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Managing your money
Gain a better understanding of how to manage your money and improve your finances by using our Budget Planner and Bill Prioritiser.
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Benefits support
Find out about benefits and grants that are relevant for you. If your household income is less than £40k per year, you could be missing out on extra support.
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Making Tax Digital
Understand Making Tax Digital and how to comply with HMRC requirements.
Further advice and support
Explore advice, tools and support to help you manage the cost of living, deal with debt, and strengthen your financial security – including specialist help for freelancers and those facing energy or money worries.
- Help for Households: Support available to help with the cost of living and discover ways to save money with practical energy saving tips. See the Help for Households website for more information.
- MSE: Read their helpful cost-of-living guide, including over 90 ways to save cash to help you get through the current crisis. See the MSE website to read the guide.
Discover tips, advice and tools that we have collated to help you cope with the rising cost of living.
Following an increase in fake letters being sent to the registered company addresses of industry producers which claim to be from HMRC, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant to increasingly sophisticated scams.
HMRC advises visiting its website for guidance on spotting phishing and scams, including how to recognise fraudulent communications, report issues, and stay safe online.
If in doubt, contact HMRC directly.
- Money and Mental Health: working to break the link between mental health problems and financial difficulty in the UK. Find out more via their website.
- Step Change: contact Step Change for information, advice and support on dealing with debt. Get in touch via their website.
- Christians Against Poverty: contact CAP for free money and debt advice. See the CAP website for more details.
The Extra Help Unit (EHU) offers specialist support to people experiencing energy-related problems, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk of disconnection, amongst various other support. You can find out more information and be referred via the contact numbers below.
- England or Wales: Citizens Advice Consumer Service – 0808 223 1133
- Scotland: Advice Direct Scotland – 0808 196 8660
- IPSE: Freelancers can have greater financial security with an additional benefits package through IPSE. Find out more on the IPSE website.
- David Thomas Media: Whether you are a creative freelancer or a spokesperson for a charity, David Thomas can help you learn new skills while enjoying yourself. Find out more on the David Thomas Media website.
Sign up to our financial email series
Access our financial email series for helpful information, useful tips, and advice to understand how to improve your financial wellbeing.
In the series, we cover the following:
- Practical financial tips
- How to navigate and plan for tax bills
- Benefits available to you
- How to manage your money
- How to improve your financial wellbeing