Resources
Support Numbers & Websites
Support Act Wellbeing Hotline: 1800 959 900 www.supportact.org.au
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Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
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Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au (Up to 4 free follow up sessions)
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National Domestic, Family & Sexual violence counselling service: 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au/
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Mensline: 1300 789 978 https://mensline.org.au/
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Beyond Blue: 1300 22 463 www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support
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eHeadspace: www.eheadspace.org.au (For young people aged 12-25 yo)
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SANE: 1800 187 263 https://www.sane.org/
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National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015
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Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
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Blue Knot Foundation: 1300 657 380 www.blueknot.org.au
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13YARN: (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support) 13 92 76 https://www.13yarn.org.au/contact-us-13yarn
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LGBTIQA+ Switchboard: 1800 184 527 https://www.switchboard.org.au/​
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SECASA: (Sexual Assault Crisis Line) 1800 806 292 https://www.secasa.org.au/contact-secasa/
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PLEASE NOTE: If an emergency call 000 to get assistance from Police, Ambulance or Fire Services or present to the emergency department of your local hospital.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
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Government via Centrelink or NDIS for those who are neurodiverse or acquire a physical or psychosocial disability.
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Alliance Benevolent Funds (they do also support crew, not just actors even though in some states they are referred to as 'Actors Benevolent Funds')​
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Other benevolent funds can also be explored here:
https://www.meaa.org/benefits/benevolent-and-support-funds/
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FORMAL SUPPORTS:
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Mental Health Care Plan
Seeing your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) of which you are entitled to up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year with a Psychologist. A portion of the service fee is covered by Medicare and some providers give additional discounts for financial hardship.
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You may also be entitled to carer payments if it is a family member or you are a guardian.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare?context=60092
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Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) or Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC)
Seeing your GP for a plan where you can claim up to 5 visits with a health care professional each calendar year with a portion of the service fee reimbursed by Medicare.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/chronic-disease-management-plan?context=20
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MEAA Wellbeing resources:
A list of registered providers such as counsellors and psychologists who are specifically linked to the creative industry. ​https://www.meaa.org/campaigns/entertainment-wellness/
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ADVOCACY SUPPORTS:
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Media, Enterainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Union 1300 656 513 https://www.meaa.org/contact/
Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) (03) 9380 3900 https://www.vmiac.org.au/
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​NB: For a more comprehensive list or if you’re looking for an advocate in a specific field, you may want to research on the internet for providers in your specific state.
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VARIOUS SUPPORTS:
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A great website with a search engine for all needs including accommodation, financial, domestic and family violence, food, health and wellbeing, advocacy and everyday needs is https://askizzy.org.au/
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PLEASE NOTE: I do not endorse or recommend any of the professionals listed or mentioned on this page. The providers or organisations mentioned are intended only as a guide to get you started and does not substitute for your own research or individual and unique needs. Only you can make that decision.
Helpful Articles, Guides & Videos
A guide reminding us to tune in to what we need personally and lean into that space with compassion and kindness.
This can be helpful while navigating grief, stress, overwhelm or any other loss you may experience.
Hover your mouse over the picture and press play.
Appearing on 'The Midweek Check In' radio segment with comedian Andy Moratis for Southern FM Radio. We discuss what it's like to have work come to an end as a freelancer, as we near the end of the 2025 Comedy Festival. We also explore and discuss strategies for post show blues, self care, networking, mentors, neurodiversity and our union, MEAA.
Here is the link for the segment recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgaI9_EwWR4
Appearing on the 'Move Your Mind' Podscast episode #186 with Nick Bracks, Discussing the work I do by providing Wellbeing support, how I came to be where I am today and my own personal journey with mental health challenges. There's also some strategies and tips for those who find it hard to experience work/life balance whilst working in the entertainment industry. Skills that can be implemented into all industries.
Here is the link for to the podcast: https://nickbracks.com/podcast/
I wrote this article inspired by the amazing Simone Biles around strength training for your brain. It also gives tips and strategies for overcoming fear and building resilience. - 4 min read.
Here is the link for thearticle: https://medium.com/the-equity-magazine/strength-training-for-your-brain-9556fc62c630
Video: Wonderful panel discussion around accessibility and inclusivity called "Neurodiversity + the profesional actor". Mostly aimed at juvenile actors but can apply to all actors. It's empowering and encourages disclosure and how it can enrich the work.
Virtual panel - runs for 1hr 46mins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6QXYU3-XWY​​​​
Article: Turning vices into new habits. An article about making positive changes holistically to improve your Wellbeing- 3 min read.
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:ap:6d950376-1bba-47e4-85da-725d4fab644e
TV Documentary Series: Michael Mosley's, Australia's Sleep Revolution: Documentary on how issues which affects our Mental Health greatly. NB: He has since passed since I posted this and my deepest condolences to all who knew and worked with this wonderful man.
https://lnkd.in/gicA5_qK
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Article: The importance of 'Responding to Mental Distress' workshops that I facilitate for the Arts Wellbeing Collective. Written article - 3 min read.
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