August 08, 2022 - 801 views
Film and TV production companies in Wales are being offered a unique opportunity to place a freelance WellBeing Facilitator on their productions, as part of a new pilot that seeks to combat poor mental health in the industry.
The pilot programme is a partnership between Bectu, through its joint union learning programme CULT Cymru, and mental health and wellbeing specialists 6ft from the Spotlight. The programme is being managed by Bectu and is supported by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales and the Wales Union Learning Fund
The pilot is open to all film and TV productions in Wales, including small, local production companies working on unscripted programmes, who can now apply for a grant of up to £15,000 to engage a wellbeing facilitator.
This support is timely as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to create challenges for productions including last minute changes due to workers contracting Covid and having to isolate.
WellBeing Facilitators collaborate with producers and heads of department to prevent stress and mental health issues, so they can meet their legal duty of care to their workers. In parallel, they support to create a healthy, engaging and inclusive environment for all.
They can also assist with managing bullying, harassment and discrimination and actively support the workforce with their own mental health, resilience, and wellbeing. Find out more about WellBeing Facilitators here.
Poor mental health continues to plague the creative industries, due to an ingrained culture of long hours, low pay and poor terms and conditions. This has only been exacerbated by the pandemic, leaving creative workers across the UK feeling devalued and dissatisfied.
Recent research from both the Film and TV Charity and Bectu identified that:
- 87% of respondents had presented with a mental health problem
- 55% of respondents had considered taking their own lives
- 93% had experienced or witnessed bullying
- 68% had considered leaving the industry
An Advisory Group that includes Bectu and sister union Equity, broadcasters, independent production companies, Creative Wales, Ffilm Cymru and Cardiff University has been established to drive forward the pilot.
Bectu hopes that recruiting WellBeing Facilitators to productions will be an important step towards a more inclusive screen sector, that supports the mental welfare of its workers.
