These recent times have been some of the hardest challenges we've faced and as a community, it hit us pretty hard. However during these difficult times, here at Pocket Size Theatre, we wanted to spread a little positivity and celebrate the work that people are still managing to generate during these difficult times. In this ‘Spotlight On’ series, we'll be speaking to our friends in the industry to share what they are up to during these challenging times and how you can be involved.
Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
Here we chatted with Scarlett and Cathy from Industry Minds- a critically acclaimed mental health support service to those in the arts.
Can you give us a little intro into who Industry Minds are and what you do?
Industry Minds is a mental health charity and platform for the creative arts. We run an award-winning podcast (which is what we started with), we run low cost and free counselling sessions through our counsellor Mary Burch BEM and run a variety of seminars and support programmes.
What made you want to start Industry Minds?
Scarlett: I struggled with my mental health shortly after graduating and realised there wasn’t any supportive outlets anywhere for creatives specifically in the arts. I turned to a podcast as at that time no one spoke of mental health, and it was listening to that podcast that I sparked the idea. The aim was to open the conversation in the arts and so that’s just what we did!”
What are you guys up to during Covid19?
We have various things happening! We are recording Series 5 of the podcast, running counselling with 3 counsellors on board, running free seminars & have launched a 2020 Graduate Support Programme. So keeping very busy and offering as much support as we possibly can.
How can people get involved?
The 2020 Graduate Programme is currently closed for the first intake, however, do still email us in case we have the time to create another intake. If you are someone who can be a mentor and lead a workshop for our programme we would love to hear from you! For any other enquiries you can email us, we would love to hear from you!
When this is all over what do you think the landscape of the industry will look like?
It’s very hard to say but the one thing we are both sure on is that there will be more support than ever and the community will be stronger than ever. That is a real positive thing that we must all hang on to. The positives will always outweigh the negatives.
Is there something that's happened during Covid19 that’s surprised you? For better or for worse!
There has been a lot of personal things that have surprised us but in terms of the industry, it’s been amazing to see our industry comes together the way that it has. It’s surprising because everyone is going through the same experience at the moment, casting directors, producers, choreographers and everyone else. We are all experiencing the same uncertainty. Yet, everyone has instantly jumped to help others and offer anything they possibly can. It has been amazing. Our industry always puts others before ourselves which is indeed a very beautiful thing but it is also a reminder that we must all take the time to check in with ourselves and get the support/help we need during this time.
If you are interested in the work that Industry Minds are doing then head over to their website: www.industryminds.co.uk
Interview written and conducted by Phoebe Hyder
