It's been just over a year since Support Act launched its Wellbeing Hotline for the music industry and the statistics prove the initiative has been incredibly effective.
The service has been racked up almost 400 hours in counselling and support with 74% of users being artists, 14% music workers and 12% crew.
Over 50% of the helpline users were under the age of 35 and just over half were female.
“We are very happy with the take up rate, and the feedback from service users has been extremely positive,” Support Act CEO Clive Miller said.
“Having a dedicated helpline that is staffed by friendly, qualified clinicians who understand the challenges of working in the music industry can be an enormous help to someone who is struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal feelings; or issues which can be mental health related such as loneliness, relationship breakdown, financial worries, illness and workplace conflict.”
The helpline also extended access to performing arts workers across Australia last month through the development of a new pilot program.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Support Act on this project," Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer said.
“People in the performing arts experience many of the same mental health challenges as people in the music industry, so it makes sense for us to be directing our resources in support of the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, as another tool to help ensure that performing arts workers are well equipped to manage the unique environment of this profession.”
To access the Wellbeing Helpline, call 1800 959 500; check out the Support Act website for more details.
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