What type of membership would you like to apply for?
Account access problem
You do not have permission to access this page with your current sign in details. If you require any further help, please get in touch at questions@spotlight.com.
OK
Spotlight
Young man sitting in a chair having a serious conversation with someone just off shot

What Spotlight’s member assistance programme change means for you, along with the support you can receive from Wellbeing in the Arts and how to access it.

Published: 31 January 2025

As of 1 February 2025, Spotlight will be partnering with Wellbeing in the Arts to provide support to our members through the Member Assistance Programme. Previously, this service was provided by Health Assured, but after listening to member feedback, we’ve changed to a provider who better understands the challenges faced within the creative industries.

This wellbeing support is included with the Spotlight membership of all 18+ performers who reside in the UK and Ireland.

Members can access a range of Wellbeing in the Arts’ services which include:

  • Access to mental health and wellbeing support team via phone, WhatsApp, text and email
  • Up to six free counselling or coaching sessions each year
  • Financial, legal and practical advice
  • Mental health and wellbeing workshops, talks and events
  • Access to online resources

“I am delighted to introduce Wellbeing in the Arts as Spotlight’s newest partner and provider of our Membership Assistance Programme for Spotlight performers,” said Matt Hood, Managing Director of Spotlight.

“Spotlight is passionate about our role in supporting sustainable careers for professional performers through the services we provide and we are thrilled to see that passion and commitment matched by the team at Wellbeing in the Arts. Spotlight considers the wellbeing and health of performers to be vital to their ability to fully reach their potential and is the reason this partnership is so important.

“The entertainment industry is at its best when we embrace collaboration, solidarity and compassion for each other. Our partnership will provide capacity for individual support for performers, as well as enabling Spotlight and Wellbeing in the Arts to work together to address the fundamental challenges of mental health and wellbeing in our sector.”

“I’m so pleased that Wellbeing in the Arts is joining forces with Spotlight,” said Nicholas Pinnock, Ambassador to Wellbeing in the Arts. 

“It’s such a great leap in giving access to – and opening up the conversation of – mental health to tens of thousands of actors and creatives who are in great need of help. Our aim is to reach as many Spotlight members as we can so they know there’s a safe space for them to come if they’re struggling, should they feel the need. And if not for themselves, they can point others in need in our direction. This is another step of many in providing much-needed care that our creative community has long since been needing safe and easy access to.”

Who is Wellbeing in the Arts?

Founded by former award-winning West End actor and director Adam Bambrough, as a result of his own personal experience, Wellbeing in the Arts offers a wide range of services to support people across the creative industries with their mental health and wellbeing. They have already provided support to the West End and UK touring versions of Six the Musical, the English Touring Theatre’s Macbeth and the Shakespeare’s Globe’s Three Sisters

Working in theatre, film and TV is a high-pressure job in a high-pressure environment and Wellbeing in the Arts believes that everyone should have access to wellbeing support to deal with this stress and prevent burnout. They have a diverse team of trained and experienced wellbeing practitioners who all have a background in the creative industries and offer a personalised approach and safe space for individuals to access the support they need. 

The services they provide include counselling, coaching, artist supervision, wellbeing support, workshops, mental health first aid training, surgeries and reflective practice groups.

What Support Can I Access?

As a Spotlight member, you are entitled to: 

  • Up to six free online counselling or coaching sessions per calendar year
  • Financial, legal and practical advice
  • Exclusive mental health and wellbeing workshops, talks and events
  • Access to online resources

You can speak with Wellbeing in the Arts about any issue – whether it’s related to your personal or professional life. If you’d like to access financial, legal or practical advice, you just need to contact Wellbeing in the Arts and they will put you in touch with one of their specialists.

If you’d like to access longer-term support after your six sessions have finished, you would be able to do so with the same counsellor or coach, but you would need to cover the costs yourself. Wellbeing in the Arts will walk you through how it works at the appropriate time.

All support is 100% confidential. No one will know that you’ve contacted Wellbeing in the Arts, or what support you’ve received.

How do I Access Support?

Spotlight members can reach out to Wellbeing in the Arts directly by email, telephone, WhatsApp, text or live chat on the website. 

Contact details:

If you would like to access counselling or coaching support, you will be asked to complete an online assessment form.

All enquiries will be responded to within 48 hours and sessions with a counsellor or coach will begin within one week. You will be able to arrange your sessions around your work and personal commitments. 

Although it’s recommended that you find a regular slot, the team at Wellbeing in the Arts understand the changing work patterns in our industry and will do everything they can to accommodate you.

Who Will My Counsellor or Coach be?

As part of the assessment process, you can choose what type of counsellor or coach you’d like to work with in terms of gender, ethnicity, age range, sexuality, specialisms, etc. Wellbeing in the Arts will pair you with a practitioner that meets your preferences.

Everyone at Wellbeing in the Arts – whether it’s the person who responds to your initial contact or the counsellor or coach that you’re paired with – has a background in the creative arts and fully understands the unique challenges of working in our industry.