About Entertainment Assist

Entertainment Assist is a Health Promotion Charity that raises awareness about mental
Create generational
health in the entertainment industry and advocates for generational change where:
change around
 Industry workers are educated to take care of self;
mental health and
 Industry workers are educated to support their peers; and
suicide prevention
 Industry employers actively support the mental health and well-being of employees.
Vision
An Australian entertainment industry which actively and openly addresses the mental health issues of its workers.

The Problem: In 2015 Entertainment Assist and Victoria University conducted a world first, industry-wide study
which uncovered troubling statistics about entertainment industry workers compared to the general public:
• Suicide attempts are more than double.
• Anxiety is 10 times higher.
• Depression is 5 times higher.
• Road Crew members experienced suicide ideation almost
9 times more than the general population.

Who We Help: Performing artists (e.g. musicians, dancers, circus

performers, media personalities); Performing arts support workers (e.g.
directors, producers, choreographers, stage managers); Media equipment
operators (lighting and sound technicians, editors, road crew, riggers).

The Solution: Our Programs

Intermission: Mental health training tailored to the entertainment industry. The program focus is to better
understand and prevent mental health issues and encourage conversations about mental health.
Information & Referral: 1. Delivery of mental health information and awareness raising presentations at industry
forums, conferences and workplaces Australia wide. 2. Maintaining a fully mobile optimised website to provide a
hub of mental health resources. 3. Provide referrals into mental health support via telephone and email on an as
needs basis.
Supportive Community: Active online community, providing a space for people in the entertainment industry to
connect, converse and share stories relating to mental health.

Program Aims:
Use education to build
• Reduce and prevent mental health issues in the entertainment industry
capacity across all
facets of the • Build capacity across all facets of the entertainment industry to better
Australian performing respond to, prevent and support mental health issues
arts industry • Increase understanding around mental health and how to seek help
• Create a better informed, more supportive and responsive entertainment industry

How You Can Help

Bridging mental health and the entertainment industry, Entertainment Assist falls through the cracks when it comes
to government funding guidelines and most Trusts and Foundations. Entertainment Assist is currently funded solely
through the generosity of private donors, one foundation and one corporate sponsor. With programs being rolled
out, industry buy-in, a solid evidence base outlining need, systems in place and a clear strategy for moving forward,
the organisation needs assistance more than ever.
Unrestricted financial support is needed for Entertainment Assist’s Intermission mental health training
program, support, advocacy, information and referral, and online community activities.
Entertainment Assist is a health promotion charity with all related tax concessions, including tax deductions for
donations.

For further information contact: Susan Cooper, +61 3 9247 4838 or enquiries@entertainmentassist.org.au