Welsh production companies encouraged to take part in WellBeing Facilitator pilot

Film and TV production companies in Wales are being offered a unique opportunity to place a freelance WellBeing Facilitator on their productions, as part of a new pilot that seeks to combat poor mental health in the industry.

The pilot programme is a partnership between Bectu, through its joint union learning programme CULT Cymru, and mental health and wellbeing specialists 6ft from the Spotlight. The programme is being managed by Bectu and is supported by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales and the Wales Union Learning Fund

The pilot is open to all film and TV productions in Wales, including small, local production companies working on unscripted programmes, who can now apply for a grant of up to £15,000 to engage a wellbeing facilitator.

This support is timely as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to create challenges for productions including last minute changes due to workers contracting Covid and having to isolate.

WellBeing Facilitators collaborate with producers and heads of department to prevent stress and mental health issues, so they can meet their legal duty of care to their workers. In parallel, they support to create a healthy, engaging and inclusive environment for all. They can also assist with managing bullying, harassment and discrimination and actively support the workforce with their own mental health, resilience, and wellbeing.

Poor mental health continues to plague the creative industries, due to an ingrained culture of long hours, low pay and poor terms and conditions. This has only been exacerbated by the pandemic, leaving creative workers across the UK feeling devalued and dissatisfied.

Recent research from both the Film and TV Charity and Bectu identified that:

• 87% of respondents had presented with a mental health problem
• 55% of respondents had considered taking their own lives
• 93% had experienced or witnessed bullying
• 68% had considered leaving the industry

An Advisory Group that includes Bectu and sister union Equity, broadcasters, independent production companies, Creative Wales, Ffilm Cymru and Cardiff University has been established to drive forward the pilot. Bectu hopes that recruiting WellBeing Facilitators to productions will be an important step towards a more inclusive screen sector, that supports the mental welfare of its workers.

Siân Gale from Bectu/CULT Cymru said: “Our aim is to work collaboratively to develop a screen sector fit for the 21^st century that is inclusive, fair and innovative. This role seems like an ideal vehicle to radically change the culture of the screen industry so that Wales becomes a destination of choice for film and TV production due to its fair, safe and supportive working practices.”

Michelle White from 6ft from the Spotlight said: “We are delighted to be working on this project with the creative unions and the industry and we are excited to send our incredible WellBeing Facilitators out to productions to support crew and cast on the ground and to continue honing the role in collaboration with the sector.”

Deputy minister for arts and sport, Dawn Bowden, said: “Wales boasts a rapidly growing film and television sector, with a workforce recognised for its skill and talent. We want to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and diverse industry here in Wales, with more people choosing to start a career and staying in the sector long-term.

“We know the last few years have been tough. That’s why the Welsh Government is prioritising investment in early intervention services that take a preventative approach to mental health and well-being. So I’m pleased the Welsh Government is supporting the establishment of the WellBeing Facilitator Cymru Pilot through funding from Creative Wales and our Wales Union Learning Fund. This will seek to support the mental health and well-being of the sector’s workforce, ensuring they have the support they need, when they need it.”

Welsh actor Michael Sheen said: “I’m very happy to support the work of 6ft from the Spotlight, and heartened by their collaboration with Bectu / CULT Cymru. Working together we can take better care of our crews and cast and support our industry to create a positive working culture where everyone feels included and can thrive.”

Welsh Producers Association TAC said:  TAC is delighted to have had the opportunity to support this scheme and to be a member of the advisory board in developing the WellBeing Facilitators Wales role.  TAC held a session for its members with CULT Cymru and 6ft from the Spotlight to present information on this important scheme and how it can benefit production companies to support all individuals involved in production.  The enthusiasm from TAC members to know more about the role of the WellBeing Facilitator and the support available was evident.  We will continue to encourage TAC members to sign up to the scheme to ensure a safe and fair working environment for all.

David Evans, general manager, Cwmni Da said: “Historically within the industry mental health issues have been regarded as part of the job, the long unsociable hours, and rumours of misbehaviour where often brushed aside with “suck it up and move on”. Things have started to change, and with the introduction of this programme the future looks far better. The idea that companies can either have a WellBeing Facilitator on site or at least at the end of the phone to offer advice is a massive step forward. I don’t know of anyone or any company that cannot benefit from having this support available to them.”

Theo Barrowclough, producer, Scrapper, said: “Having a WellBeing Facilitator for Scrapper proved to be a major coup. We were blessed with a brilliant crew, but even in those cases, every production needs to constantly hold itself up to being an inclusive and safe place to ply your craft. The WellBeing Facilitator’s presence on set as someone the crew knew they could seek out, speak to confidentially and resolve issues with, made a big difference to me as a producer.”

Locations manager and Bectu member Kay Wilson, who is one of the WellBeing Facilitators trained as part of the pilot, said: “I’m really looking forward to being placed on my first production as a WellBeing Facilitator. The hours and expectations placed on crew can be twice as much as those in other industries and once burnt out, easy to replace. I am extremely happy to be part of a movement towards the provision of crew welfare”.

Equity member Gwenno Dafydd, who has trained as a WellBeing Facilitator, said: “I’ve been the victim of sexual harassment on set.  I saw things, especially when I was in my 20s, that you didn’t challenge because it was easy to be blacklisted. I want to be part of the solution that puts a stop to this unacceptable behaviour that can have a devastating effect on people’s mental health”.