2021 is upon us, and we hope it has been treating you well so far.
It’s wonderful to see theatres begin to reopen safely, rehearsals commencing, and tours beginning. For those of us in Victoria, let’s hope this brief lock down is effective, and we can continue the rebuild and recovery of our sector.
If you’re about to return to touring, or planning a tour, we warmly invite you to join us for the first Mental Health Matinee of 2021, On the road again, presented by Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley on Thursday 18 February 2021. This session explores how you can take steps to care for your mental health – and the mental health of your tour mates – through this unique time, and ensure COVID-19 doesn’t take away from the joy of exploring towns and cities, delivering shows to new audiences, meeting people and making lifelong friends.
You can also catch up on all twelve episodes from the first two series of Mental Health Matinees online now. These 60-minute webinars cover a wide range of topics, delivered by subject matter experts including Chris Cheers, Coco Nkrumah, Glenda Chi, Jossy Jimenez, Jamie Marloo Thomas, Deone Zanotto and many more.
We have lots planned for 2021, and are thrilled to be working alongside you all as we promote positive mental health and wellbeing across all parts of our incredible industry.
Wishing you good health and creativity,
The team at Arts Centre Melbourne
Upcoming events
Mental Health Matinee: On the road again
Thursday, 18 February 2021
11.30am to 12.30pm
Going on tour is great fun, and one of the cornerstones of our thriving performing arts sector. But, what are the mental health impacts we should consider as we continue to navigate living, working and touring with the impact of COVID-19
Presented by Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley, Sage Psychology
Resources
Tour Well
Heading back out on tour soon? Reacquaint yourself with Tour Well, designed to help you thrive on tour. Tour Well consists of practical, evidence-based tips addressing common mental health and wellbeing challenges that you might encounter while on tour, so you can better prepare, take care of yourself, and help support your mates on tour. Read more
Tour Well for Tour Managers
Planning a tour? Tour Well for Tour Managers provides practical strategies, tools and techniques to help ensure your tour is set up to promote positive mental health for everyone involved. Read more
Support
Support Act Wellbeing Helpline
Would you like to chat with someone about pre-tour nerves’ Or pre-tour excitement? Book in a session with an experienced, qualified clinician who understands the unique challenges of touring in the performing arts.
Call 1800 959 500, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to make an appointment. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, please contact the Emergency Services on 000.
