Case Study: Mental Health Support, EAP and Education at Brisbane Festival
Background
As one of Queensland’s premier cultural events, Brisbane Festival showcases a rich tapestry of performances and art that brings the community together. In the lead-up to the 2023 festival, the festival leadership recognised the crucial role mental health support plays in ensuring a successful event. Dissatisfied with their previous mental health provider, they sought a new partner who could provide effective support tailored to their unique needs.
The Challenge
Brisbane Festival’s leadership understood that the fast-paced and often high-pressure environment of festival preparation and execution could take a toll on the mental health of their team and contractors. They needed a solution that not only provided training but also ongoing support during the festival to help staff navigate the stresses associated with such a large-scale event.
The Solution
Hey Mate stepped in to provide a comprehensive mental health support package, starting with:
Mental Health First Aid Training: We conducted tailored training sessions for festival leaders, equipping them with essential skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges among their staff. This training empowered leaders to create a supportive environment for their teams.
Following the training, the partnership expanded to include:
Remote Festival Support: During the festival, Hey Mate provided crucial mental health resources, including access to counselling services and wellbeing materials. This support was available to all team members and contractors, ensuring they had the tools they needed to manage stress effectively.
The Impact
The collaboration between Hey Mate and Brisbane Festival led to immediate and positive outcomes:
Increased Confidence and Relief: Team members reported feeling a profound sense of relief knowing that mental health support was readily available. They expressed gratitude for the resources provided, which helped them navigate the challenges of festival preparations.
Trust and Rapport: The success of the initial training and support fostered a strong sense of trust between Brisbane Festival and Hey Mate. This trust was pivotal in establishing a safe and positive work atmosphere throughout the festival.
Ongoing Engagement: Impressed by Hey Mate's expertise and dedication, Brisbane Festival engaged Hey Mate as their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. This ongoing partnership signifies the confidence the festival leadership has in Hey Mate’s ability to meet their mental health needs.
Conclusion
The partnership between Hey Mate and Brisbane Festival exemplifies the importance of prioritising mental health support in the arts and events sector. By providing tailored training and ongoing resources, Hey Mate not only met but exceeded the expectations of Brisbane Festival’s leadership. The positive impact on team morale and the successful execution of the festival underscore the value of investing in mental health.
With continued collaboration into 2024, Hey Mate remains committed to supporting Brisbane Festival’s team, reinforcing the importance of mental health in creating a vibrant and successful cultural event. The trust and rapport built during this partnership highlight the transformative potential of prioritising mental health within the creative industries.
