The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the ways in which we live and work, and the uncertainty and instability around coronavirus has the potential to exacerbate existing anxiety and depression, as well as evoke feelings of anxiety, distress, confusion and concern for many people.
Now thanks to Entertainment Assist (a national health promotion charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Australian Entertainment Industry), thousands of people from the Australian Entertainment Industry are set to benefit from the free mental health support videos which have been specifically produced to support members of the industry during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Entertainment Industry, in particular, has been devastated by the crisis, resulting in thousands of people being out of work and millions of dollars lost. While key bodies from entertainment, music and arts continue to work with Governments to seek a financial stimulus package for the industry, Entertainment Assist has worked rapidly to produce the free online mental health services through this webinar series.
It’s now that industry workers need support as they navigate having no income and the waiting period for the Government’s first-round assistance payments – and that’s if they’re even eligible.
“The financial hardship so many are facing has added to the strain on the mental wellbeing of these workers. We have recognised the need for urgent assistance and these free webinars are designed to provide important support, focusing on self-care and helping through these very stressful times,” Julia Edwards, General Manager of Entertainment Assist, says.
“It is estimated half a million people across the industry have been affected by the crisis, many with no work or income. Now is the time to take care of ourselves, and to look out for friends, family and colleagues experiencing such uncertainty in our lives,” Julia added.
The health and wellbeing webinars are an expansion of the Entertainment Assist mental health training programs and information sessions provided in workplaces and institutions prior to the current crisis.
These webinars provide 24/7 access for workers and have been developed with members of the Australian Entertainment industry who understand the industry in which people are five times more likely to suffer depression than the general population.
Topics in the free webinar series all relate to mental health and wellbeing and include Finance, Sleep, Healthy Habits and Staying Connected.
“We know there is a need and interest in these webinars as hundreds of industry workers registered for the sessions before we completed the filming and now they, and everyone in the industry, can access them for free online through our website at www.entertainmentassist.org.au,” Julia said.
“This is an important support service and we will continue to lobby the Federal and State Governments to provide free access to mental health services for Australian Industry workers,” Julia added.
To access the free mental health video series, visit here www.entertainmentassist.org.au/isolation-webinar
