Case Study: Regional Creatives Wellbeing Program Partnership with Regional Arts Australia
Background
In a collaborative effort to enhance the well-being of regional creatives, Regional Arts Australia teamed up with Hey Mate to develop the innovative 'Regional Creatives Wellbeing Program.' This initiative aimed to address the unique mental health challenges faced by artists in regional areas, fostering a supportive community for creatives.
The Challenge
Regional artists often encounter feelings of isolation, limited access to mental health resources, and a lack of understanding surrounding mental health issues. There was a clear need for a programme that could provide tailored support and practical tools to help these creatives navigate their well-being.
The Solution
Over the course of two months, Hey Mate and Regional Arts Australia engaged over 190 participants through a diverse range of sessions designed specifically for regional artists. The programme included:
- Lunch and Learn Sessions: Informal yet enlightening gatherings where participants could explore various topics related to mental health and well-being in the creative workplace.
- Comprehensive Workshops: In-depth sessions covered key topics such as distinguishing between mental health and mental illness, building resilience, overcoming isolation, and essential Mental Health First Aid Training.
The Impact
The Regional Creatives Wellbeing Program had a significant positive impact on participants. According to feedback gathered from a post-program survey, over 58% of respondents reported implementing tips, tools, or techniques from the programme into their own lives. Notable outcomes included:
- Increased Mental Health Awareness:Participants demonstrated a greater understanding of mental health issues. One participant noted, "I now have confidence in assisting someone in crisis. Because of my training, I value my position as a responsible person in delicate situations."
- Career Exploration: The programme inspired some participants to explore new career paths in mental health and well-being, as reflected in the comment, “The training that I have received has propelled me into exploring new careers in mental health and wellbeing.”
- Recognising Changes in Behaviour: Participants reported improved skills in identifying changes in others’ behaviours and navigating sensitive conversations. One participant stated, "Recognising changes in the behaviours of others and confidently being able to navigate past the initial enquiry" was the most valuable aspect of the programme.
The low-cost and free options offered in the programme were also appreciated, with one participant sharing, “I really appreciated being able to do this so cheaply - it was very worthwhile and relevant in my field (writing).”
Conclusion
The Regional Creatives Wellbeing Program not only provided essential tools for individual artists but also fostered a supportive network within the regional arts community. The positive feedback underscores the necessity for continued programmes like this, which enhance mental health, build empathy, and strengthen connections among arts workers in regional areas. As one participant aptly stated, “Keep offering this - mental health is so important, especially for the Arts!”
Hey Mate is proud to have contributed to this vital initiative, supporting the well-being of regional creatives and reinforcing the importance of mental health in the arts.
