The scale of work-related stress across the economy has increased in recent years. Stress, depression or anxiety is now the number one cause of work-related ill-health in Great Britain. 

The entertainment and leisure sector plays an important role in our economy, way of life and our reputation around the world. It’s wide-ranging from fairgrounds, film, theatre and broadcasting industries with a whole raft of different roles and talents – creative, operational and technical. By its very nature, the industry is fast paced and changeable with many being self-employed, freelancers or contracted for set amounts of time. There can be lots of uncertainty, long and unsociable hours and  a perception of not being supported by employers. 

Where to begin

We need to make it routine to talk about stress and mental health at work. Employers have a legal duty to ensure risks of stress and mental ill–health are factored into health and safety risk assessments at an organisational level. This includes identifying the potential causes of work-related stress and mental-ill health and putting measures in place to protect workers. This focus on prevention reduces the risk of workers experiencing stress and poor mental health due to work factors. 

• download a risk assessment template and see some examples
• download a Talking Toolkit to help structure conversations
• print out / share our campaign resources round up
• print out / display our Working Minds 5 steps poster
• sign up to the e-bulletin.

Help is available

If you or someone you know needs help or support, reach out and ask how they are feeling and coping. There are tools and sources of support out there who can help. For example…

Answer 5 simple questions to get your personalised mental health action plan, with tips and advice to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

Contact Film & TV charity for confidential and free support for anyone working behind the scenes in film, TV or cinema. Support Line 0800 054 0000

The Mark Milsome Foundation – Film and TV Online Safety Passport Course (90 minutes)

Association of Event Venues – Heads up: your well-being tool kit

Blog from Mig Burgess, teacher, Creative Designer and Production Technician on her summer commitment to learn more about work related stress and the guidance note she created for The Association of British Theatre Technicians.