NEW ABF MENTAL HEALTH FUND ANNOUNCED AT SYDNEY THEATRE AWARDS
At the Sydney Theatre Awards in January Diana Simmonds announced a mental health fund to be administrated by ABF. The fund is a shared initiative of the Sydney Theatre Awards Committee and ABF and will cater to the growing need for mental health services in the performing arts sector.
A report on mental health in the arts released in 2015 painted a distressing picture of an industry in crisis caused by financial insecurity, uncertain employment, low pay and in many cases, actors and creatives working for no pay at all. Members of the arts sector were found to have three times the level of sleep disorders than those of the general population, symptoms of anxiety ten times higher and depression symptoms five times higher. The report also outlined high rates of suicide attempts and a greater level of drug and alcohol abuse. In recent months the revelation of sexual harassment, abuse and bullying across performing arts sectors has added to the need for mental health support.
The fund was given a kick start on the night with a bucket collection among the guests instigated by STA committee member Diana Simmonds with Kate Mulvany and other actors rattling the tins in the foyer of the Everest Theatre. It resulted in the donation of $1,200. Contributions to the fund can be made on the ABF web site through general donations. Donations should be identified as contributing to the Sydney Theatre Awards Mental Health Fund. A page dedicated to this fund will soon be available on the ABF's Other Ways to Donate page.