The Global Media Site for Entertainment.
Menu
With this week being Mental Health Awareness Week, we thought it appropriate to make everyone in the industry more aware of this program specifically for mental health. Working in the entertainment industry, specifically the behind the scenes technical side of the industry, it’s common practice to have an abundance of certifications. Riggers commonly have at least the Fundamentals of Rigging and Height certifications, audio and lighting technicians frequently are required to have certifications for their consoles and networks, carpenters regularly have more training in safety than most other crew members, and the managers are generally certified and trained in First Aid. One that we don’t often hear however, is Mental Health First Aid certification.
The training is provided in person over two consecutive days, or online for four separate days. This programme is provided by Music Support and is specifically geared towards those of us working in more behind the scenes positions. I personally took the course a few months ago as I thought it would not only be an interesting experience, but also to be able to provide some extra help to my colleagues if wanted and/or needed.
The course teaches in various ways so everyone who learns in different styles can feel included in the course. Sometimes you will be working in pairs or small groups, occasionally you’ll have solo work, and you will be frequently asked to look at diverse situations and what the best course of action might be. The program gives an abundance of resources for those who decide to take the course. You will be given a workbook, a manual, online support groups, referral services, an app that you can have 24/7 access for emergencies, and much more.
Their full website and more information on the course can be found here:
https://www.musicsupport.org/mental-health-first-aid-training/
Since its founding in 2016, many venues and tours across the UK have accepted and recognised more and more people with this certification. Carlton House Terrace brags about being the first venue to guarantee a Mental Health First Aider at every event and just the other day, Edinburgh Playhouse (@edinplayhouse on Instagram) boasted about having 12 Mental Health First Aiders on their team.
Will it actually become common practice to have a Mental Health First Aider working in live entertainment venues and tours? UK law states: “The Health and Safety Regulations of 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.” However, having a Mental Health First Aider is currently a recommendation, not legislation so venues and tours are not required to have sufficient mental health provision and support. Because it is simply recommended, all too often we are seeing burn out become more frequent due to the nature of this industry. The long hours, time away from a stable living space, and usually inadequate pay typically equals more people leaving the industry altogether and regularly not returning.
Since 2020, 77,00 people have been certified in Mental Health First Aid.
Also by Drew Janine:
Janine has always been a part of music and performing. The first show that inspired her to go into theatre was the Velveteen Rabbit which she saw as a child, and Drew works to keep that magic alive in her work. When Drew was accepted into an internship program for audio engineering at a recording studio, she jumped at the opportunity. That was at the start of 2020, and so much has happened since then, both in her career and in the world. Since then, Drew has taken several opportunities to work at recording studios, concerts, festivals, and even large theatres while spending some time on tour. Drew's favorite by far though, has been the chance to work on Broadways and West End shows, as this was a dream come true. Drew is honoured to get to share these experiences from being inside the entertainment industry.
Read Full Profile
© 2021 TheatreArtLife. All rights reserved.
Thank you so much for reading, but you have now reached your free article limit for this month.
Our contributors are currently writing more articles for you to enjoy.
To keep reading, all you have to do is become a subscriber and then you can read unlimited articles anytime.
Your investment will help us continue to ignite connections across the globe in live entertainment and build this community for industry professionals.
