The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is now available to all arts workers
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26.05.2020

The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is now available to all arts workers

Words by Talia Rinaldo via Forte

The expansion of the service was made possible through support from the Australian government.

In a positive move for the arts industry, Support Act’s Wellbeing Helpline has been expanded beyond the music and theatre industries to now incorporate all artists and arts workers across Australia.

The Wellbeing Helpline is a free confidential service available 24/7, staffed by professional clinicians familiar with issues faced by people working in music and the arts. It can be accessed by calling 1800 959 500 within Australia, or via email, but Zoom video calls are also available.

“COVID-19 is clearly having a huge impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people across the entire arts sector, with many people struggling as a result of financial hardship, concern about careers, being cut off from social networks and working from home,” says Support Act CEO Clive Miller.

“Our clinicians can provide support in all these areas and more, and we encourage any music or arts worker who is concerned about their mental health to call the Helpline on 1800 959 500.”

Support Act launched the Wellbeing Helpline in June 2018 with support from The Tony Foundation and Levi’s and partnered with the Arts Centre Melbourne’s Arts Wellbeing Collective to extend access to all performing arts workers in July 2019.

A twelve-month expansion of this essential service has been made possible thanks to the Australian Government, through the Office for the Arts.

More information is available via the website, including digital resources to download and share on socials, websites, emails as well as venues and workplaces.

This article originally appeared on Forte