How can we rebuild our practice with care for ourselves and those we work with?
How do we begin to address the mental health impacts of COVID-19 and centralise self-care and wellbeing practices in our work? This session will examine the tensions between self-care and ‘holding’ others as Producers, how to navigate ongoing uncertainty and encourage open and ongoing discussions about mental health in all aspects of our work.
With Guest Speakers:
Erin Sanchez: Manager of Health, Wellbeing and Performance, One Dance UK and Manager of National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science
Erin Sanchez is an advocate & educator supporting dancers' health. She has led over 600 workshops for professionals / students and advocates for positive, strengths-led psychological services & education, and healthy working/training conditions.
www.onedanceuk.org
www.nidms.co.uk
Lou Platt: Artist Wellbeing Practitioner, Integrative Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Independent Theatre Maker/Performer
Lou Platt is an Artist Wellbeing Practitioner who draws upon her work as an integrative psychotherapist, clinical supervisor and theatre practitioner who enables artists to take radical care of their mental health whilst reaching their fullest creative potential.
Resources
This list of resources provides further references to mental health and wellbeing in the arts sector, compiled from discussions with the Lab attendees and our Guest Speakers. Feel free to get in touch with additional resources and we will grow this list.
One Dance UK: The mindset for returning to the stage and studio
One Dance UK - Healthier Dancer Programme Online: webinars, conferences and workshops promoting health, fitness and wellbeing for dance professionals
Artist Wellbeing - Lou Platt: Providing individual support, consultation, training and workshops around mental health and wellbeing for those working in the arts including artists, directors, producers and more.
MHFA England: Offers a wide range of training courses for individuals and organisations to become a mental health first aider
Future Learn - Psychological First Aid: A free course about mental health first aid, specific to supporting wellbeing during Covid-19
ArtsMinds Information Hub: A collaborative initiative from BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine), Equity, Spotlight and The Stage to bring together into one place a raft of resources for performers and creative practitioners facing mental health issues
Freelancers Make Theatre Work: Listings of free wellbeing initiatives, access to free and low-cost counselling services, and links to organisations providing a range of services that may be of interest, such as peer to peer support schemes
Focal Point Labs are focused professional development bursts to develop new skills to adapt to current challenges. Delivered by industry professionals, these free Labs connect producers and creatives alike to build relevant skills for future projects. Focal Point is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Photo: Tiah Parsan