Getting support

This guide from Mind, explains what mental health crisis services are available, how they can help and when to access them

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people with a physical and mental health problem who need help fast

Mind's list of crisis services you might be able to use, and the types of situations where they might be most useful

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and need mental health support

The 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 24-hour Support Line provides a listening ear round the clock, 24/7. Access up to six sessions of therapy, free of charge, via phone or videophone

Bectu's Health and Wellbeing podcast in conversation with Lucy Tallon from the Film and TV Charity, discusses our role in supporting people behind-the-scenes

Rethink Mental Illness outlines the legal rights at work for people with a mental illness. Includes information about your right to ask an employer for changes you need to do your job

Our 24-hour Support Line provides a listening ear round the clock, 24/7. Access up to six sessions of therapy, free of charge, via phone or videophone

This low-cost and accessible counselling service via Industry Minds is aimed at those in the arts who may be struggling but are unable to meet the usual cost of therapy

NHS talking therapy services (or IAPT services), are free, confidential and delivered by accredited practitioners. Find out where to access them

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

Our online mental health community Togetherall is available for you to use for free, 24/7. Talk openly and anonymously with others online and access CBT style courses and resources

Our 24-hour Support Line provides a listening ear round the clock, 24/7. Access up to six sessions of therapy, free of charge, via phone or videophone

A community of support for the self-employed. It’s free to join, non-judgemental, open and supportive. Packed with useful resources to support your mental health

Our digital tool allows you to process your experiences of bullying, racism or harassment and create a private, personal record of something you’ve experienced or witnessed

ScreenSkills regularly run a wellbeing 'happiness' drop-in session hosted by Jude Spencer. It's a safe online space to check in and connect with others working in film and TV

This initiative provides professional and peer support for freelancers, particularly with mental health, as well as bringing meaningful change to working practices in film & TV

A chance for peers from the creative sector to chat, share experiences and find support. Watch the latest talk here and follow @tweetsatthehub for more

A community of support for the self-employed. It’s free to join, non-judgmental, open and supportive. Packed with resources to support your mental health

The Unscripted branch of Bectu is hosting fortnightly meet-ups for their members, to check in, share experiences and coping strategies. More info on joining here

Practical financial guidance for film and TV professionals during Covid-19. Includes help to understand your rights to benefits and some handy tips for reducing costs

You can find some free and easy to use financial tools and templates, including monthly budgeting sheets and cash flow planners, from industry expert David Thomas

Money and mental health are connected. Here you can find some practical tips on managing your money from the charity Mind

Industry expert David Thomas offers simple steps to follow to ensure you get paid on time and what to do if a client is late with their payment

Overdue invoices are an all too common and frustrating part of self-employment - this practical guide from Leapers aims to change that

If you are a screen or stage director in the UK, the DCF can offer help through their Directors Support Scheme and a new mental health project that’s coming soon. Find out more here.

Whether you’re being bullied or trying to prevent bullying behaviour at work, there is help out there. We’ve put everything you need in one place

Our digital tool allows you to process your experiences and create a private, personal record of something you’ve experienced or witnessed

The first service of its kind in the industry, for those who have experienced or witnessed bullying. Get independent, confidential and personalised support. Book an appointment here

Provides professional and peer support for freelancers, particularly with mental health, as well as bringing meaningful change to working practices in film & TV

Set up in response to the challenges faced by those entirely or largely excluded from government Covid-19 financial support. Offers support and lobbies for change

This includes bitesize video clips, quick reads, audio content, free exercises and illustrations, all designed to help you have a healthier mind and a healthier business

The go-to platform for film exhibition and film distribution freelancers. Not only is it a place for resources and advice, it's also home to a directory of the best in the business

Bectu in conversation with Adeel Amini discussing his work to make the industry a better and safer place to work through The TV Mindset and The Coalition for Change

This ScreenSkills workshop can help you manage concerns about finances, your career and finding a work/life balance

Inspired by research and conversations with the Leapers freelance community, this guide is packed full of simple and effective techniques to help you work well when self-employed

If you are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, you may face specific issues relating to your mental health. Rethink Mental Illness outlines options for support

From Help Guide this is for anyone who has experienced or is experiencing racial trauma, offering guidance on coping with the stress and anxiety of discrimination

Exists to address some of the many barriers that Black individuals face when accessing mental health support and connects people with free professional mental health resources

Providing emotional well-being support to people who experience racism, working in the arts and cultural sector

Home of the largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK

A network for Black, Asian and minority ethnic Bectu members to share experiences, build relationships and have access to information and resources

A safe online space for deaf & disabled television professionals across all genres. Connect with like-minded folk, share job opportunities, advice and guidance

This will help you create an access document that outlines your disability access needs. Give it to employers when you start working with them so they know what you need

Seeks to increase the visibility of, support for, and direct access to opportunities, networks, and employment for D/deaf and disabled filmmakers

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. Their online support service is confidential, non-judgmental and anonymous

A new, inclusive LGBTQI+ community hub where the VFX, Animation and Games community can access information, events, mentoring and support

The largest LGBT rights organisation in Europe working to campaign for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people

An LGBTQ+ network group for people working across all areas of the media spectrum. They offer networking events and regular updates via social media and a newsletter

Caring for someone else can make it hard to find the time for yourself. Mind offers info on the experiences of caring, tips for your own mental health and where to find support

Offering support, advice and information for carers. Includes info about your rights and help navigating complex feelings through their confidential helpline

Raising Film's helpful guide is here to answer your questions around flexible working and signposts you to the most useful resources

Raising Film's practical checklist for parents and carers in the screen sector has a list of useful recommended measures and steps you can take now to support yourself

Being a carer is hard enough, being a carer working in film and TV brings it’s own set of unique challenges. This is a peer to peer support group for carers with film and TV connections. Join here

An online space for TV Mums and Mums-to-be to connect, share knowledge, advice and wisdom about navigating busy careers at the same time as raising a family

A community built for TV freelancers looking for a better work-life balance. Check out their jobs board and access a wealth of information for individuals and employers

If you're looking for flexible job opportunities, Media Parents is the place where you can find all the short term, regular hours, job share and part time jobs in the media

If you’re looking to connect with others for mutual support Cinemamas is a welcoming online platform for mums and parents working in film