The experience of Australian entertainment industry workers during COVID-19
This research commissioned by Entertainment Assist was conducted by Everymind, a leading national Institute dedicated to reducing mental ill- health, reducing suicide, and improving wellbeing, together with the Australian Alliance for Wellness in Entertainment (AAWE), a collaboration of peak organisations with a shared interest in positive mental health and wellbeing behaviours for a sustainable Australian entertainment industry.
The important research was conducted across the diverse roles in the industry, to seek feedback on mental health challenges, and changes to work, finances, and emotional wellbeing concerns around COVID-19.
The devastated industry was one of the first to shut down in March 2020 with thousands of people out of work.
93% of respondents to the survey experienced significant changes to their work,
60% have been unable to work, as a result, 63% have experienced financial distress,
One of the major concerns was 25% of respondents were unable to pay for household essentials.
You can read the full report detailing the experience of Australian entertainment industry workers during COVID-19 here.
mind your own showbiz research report
Everymind's 2020 Mind Your Own Showbiz research report outlines key research findings and recommendations gathered from data collected in 2018-2019. Building on Entertainment Assist's 2016 Working in the Australian Entertainment Industry: Final Report, the focus of this research project was on identifying industry professionals’ preferences to strategically address the mental health needs of the industry, including ways to reduce stigma, improve mental health literacy and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
Since the time of data collection, there have been many education resources, programs and support services developed and established by various peak organisations within the Industry. Continual investment in research to monitor ever changing attitudes and behaviour is essential, hence Entertainment Assist and AAWE's collaboration with Everymind.