The 2026 edition of our landmark mental health survey for behind-the-scenes workers
The Charity heard from 3,394 people working across the industry between 11th May 2026 and 22nd June 2026. It is the fifth edition since the first survey in 2019.
When we launched the first Looking Glass Survey in 2019, it exposed a shocking mental health crisis across the screen sector. Seven years and five surveys later, the 2026 findings still paint a concerning picture when it comes to the impact of poor mental health on the people working in our industry but, crucially, they also show that change is possible, and it is happening.
The report into the 2026 Looking Glass Survey show that incidences of poor mental health and wellbeing across the industry remain a cause of deep concern. However, there have been improvements across several key measures:
31% report poor or very poor mental health, down from 35% in 2024
25% report high levels of loneliness, down from 30% in 2024
23% report suicidal ideation, down from 30% in 2024
37% experienced bullying, harassment or discrimination in the last 12 months, down from 41% in 2024 and 53% in 2021
Source: The Film and TV Charity, Looking Glass Survey 2019–2026
These shifts matter. Even seemingly modest improvements can represent meaningful change. A representative one percentage-point shift can equate to positive change for up to 2,500 people and, as these shifts build over time, their cumulative impact becomes increasingly significant.
What does the latest research tell us about freelancers’ mental health?
Historically, freelancers have faced some of the greatest pressures in our industry, with Looking Glass consistently showing poorer mental health outcomes among freelancers than their permanently employed counterparts. But the latest findings offer encouraging signs of progress:
Reports of poor mental health among freelancers have fallen from 38% to 31%
Fewer freelancers are experiencing loneliness, with 27% reporting it in 2026 compared with 32% in 2024
57% of freelancers say working in the industry negatively affects their mental health, down from 67% in 2024
The proportion of freelancers saying that work negatively affects their mental health has fallen from 67% to 57%
Freelancers continue to face greater challenges than permanent employees across a number of measures in the survey, but these improvements are an encouraging step forward.
The fact that a single percentage-point shift can represent up to 2,500 people experiencing the industry differently shows why every improvement matters.
Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity
Positive change through collective industry action
Experiences of bullying, harassment, and discrimination have reduced from a peak of 53% in 2021 to 41% in 2024 and 37% in 2026.
Over the last seven years the Looking Glass research has continued to shine a light on the issue of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, alongside years of collective effort from the Charity, industry organisations, stakeholders and individuals. This coordinated approach provides a powerful model for improving mental health and wellbeing across the industry.
What the Film and TV Charity is doing
We’re playing our part, but lasting change needs the whole industry behind it:
The full 2026 Looking Glass Report explores where progress is being made, where challenges remain, and what our industry can do next. Read the report and help turn progress into lasting change.
Looking Glass is the Film and TV Charity’s flagship research into the mental health and wellbeing of people working behind the scenes in UK film, TV, and cinema. First launched in 2019, the research is now in its fifth edition in 2026.
The Charity heard from 3,394 people working across the industry between 11th May 2026 and 22nd June 2026. It is the fifth edition since the first survey.
Since the last survey, the proportion of behind-the-scenes workers reporting poor or very poor mental health fell from 35% in 2024 to 31% in 2026, while experiences of bullying, harassment, and discrimination fell from 41% to 37%.
However, this progress was not felt equally across the industry, with poor mental health among full-time staff rising from 25% to 29%.
The Film and TV Charity provides a range of services to support the mental health and wellbeing of people working behind the scenes, including a 24/7 Support Line on 0800 054 0000, free counselling, a dedicated Bullying Advice Service, mental health resources and longer-term support.
Yes, you’re welcome to reference findings from the Looking Glass research. When quoting data, please credit the Film and TV Charity and clearly identify the relevant edition of the Looking Glass Report. For example: Film and TV Charity, Looking Glass Report, 2026.
If you’re a journalist, researcher or organisation looking to use the findings more extensively, or have questions about the data, please contact [email protected]
The fact that a single percentage-point shift can represent up to 2,500 people experiencing the industry differently shows why every improvement matters.Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity
