WELCOME TO YOUR…
Clarkston Support Page
Wellbeing Support That Understands Your World
Welcome to your company’s support page. If you are viewing this page, you are a member of the company, creative or production team for “Clarkston” and its London Autumn/Winter run 2025.
Below you will find information on your production wellbeing practitioner, Victoria Abbott, as well as information , resources and booking details that will be relevant to those seeking support at any point throughout the production.
This support is provided by Applause for thought.
1-1 Support
Resources
Crisis Info
Your wellbeing lead…
Victoria (she/her) is a registered psychotherapist with degrees in Psychology, Human Development, and Integrative Psychotherapy, alongside training and experience as a performer.
She leads a private practice specialising in burnout, trauma, grief, life transitions and anxiety, and is the Support Lead at Applause For Thought.
She works closely with creatives and productions to help embed wellbeing practices that align with the demands of the industry, supporting both individuals and organisations.
As a Production Wellbeing Practitioner, Victoria offers guidance to Producers and HoDs on duty of care, and provides one-to-one or group therapeutic support for cast and crew.
What to expect from a check-in?
CHECK INS are 1:1 sessions outside your organisation to discuss mental health. Led by Victoria, a qualified psychotherapist and they last 25 minutes (sometimes longer) and take place in person or on Zoom.
YOU CAN EXPECT a non-judgmental space to reflect on experiences inside and outside the production, offering support and guidance for mental health and well-being. These confidential sessions offer an impartial, empathic ear. They aim to support, not solve, creating a safe space for conversation.
TO PREPARE you might want to take time and reflect on what you'd like to discuss. Ask questions freely and consider your session expectations. It’s an open, supportive conversation, no need to have all the answers. Be gentle with yourself before, during, and after; the sessions are for you.
Book a time to speak to Victoria
Sessions are held in her Waterloo therapy room, online via Zoom, by telephone or at the theatre/rehearsal space. All conversations follow BACP confidentiality and ethical guidelines; nothing is shared without your consent unless there's a safety concern.
If you cannot see any appointments or find a suitable time please email victoria@victoriaabbotttherapy to request accommodations.
"Maybe this is what we do, we just try to be kind to each other. Maybe that’s enough."
- Samuel. D. Hunter, Clarkston
Resources & Information
Below are the key themes from Clarkston and how to access related support if personally affected. This is not exhaustive and doesn’t replace consulting your GP or seeking professional help. You may also discuss this with Victoria if you feel comfortable. All resources are inclusive to non-binary and/or LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Panic attacks and severe anxiety
A character experiences intense panic episodes on stage, including physical symptoms and emotional distress.
UK Support Resource:
Anxiety UK – Support and information for those affected by anxiety disorders.
Phone: 03444 775 774
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Isolation and emotional abandonment
Themes of loneliness, social detachment, and the difficulty of maintaining close relationships are prominent.
UK Support Resource:
Campaign to End Loneliness – National organisation addressing loneliness and social isolation.
Website: www.campaigntoendloneliness.org
Depression and existential despair
Characters express ongoing feelings of hopelessness, low self-worth, and emotional stagnation.
UK Support Resource:
Mind – Mental health charity offering advice and support across a wide range of issues.
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Suicidal ideation
There are references to suicidal thoughts and emotional withdrawal, though they are not explicitly or graphically depicted.
UK Support Resource:
Samaritans – Confidential 24/7 support for anyone experiencing distress or suicidal feelings.
Phone: 116 123 (free from any phone)
Website: www.samaritans.org
Chronic illness and caregiver stress
A character struggles with the emotional and financial challenges of caring for a terminally ill parent.
UK Support Resource:
Carers UK – Information, advocacy, and support for unpaid carers.
Phone: 0808 808 7777
Website: www.carersuk.org
Sexuality, shame, and internalised homophobia
The play includes a portrayal of a young man grappling with his sexual identity and societal pressures.
UK Support Resource:
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – A listening and support service for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Phone: 0800 0119 100
Website: www.switchboard.lgbt
Causes of workplace stress
Work/Life Balance - 20%
Lack of job security - 6%
Stress isn’t always negative; it can motivate and help people meet work challenges. According to The Workplace Health Report (2022), 56% agree the right amount of stress helps them thrive, while only 1% feel overwhelmed. In this industry, workloads are high across all roles, balancing creativity, finances, and urgency. These factors, plus tight deadlines, pressure for excellence, and exposure to traumatic themes, make workplace stress complex. Being aware and proactive in managing stress is essential.
Workload - 46%
Interpersonal relationships - 28%
Stresspulse Survey 2024
Practical Tools to Mitigate
the Impact of Stress
Mental Health Spotlight on…
In high-pressure productions, stress can build quickly. A simple grounding tip:
Take 30 seconds to pause, breathe deeply, and notice three things you can see, hear, and feel. It brings you back to the moment and helps reset your focus.
― Samuel D. Hunter, Clarkston
“Just because something's a cliché doesn't mean it isn't true.”
“Just because something's a cliché doesn't mean it isn't true.”
Do you feel in crisis?
If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, you're not alone, and there’s support out there for you. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, sadness, or just need someone to talk to, help is always available. You can call Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123 for free, confidential support. If you prefer to text, Shout offers a 24/7 messaging service, just text 85258 to speak with a trained volunteer.
In an emergency or if you feel unsafe, please call 999 or contact NHS 111 for urgent mental health help.
You deserve support, please reach out.
Who are Applause for thought?
Applause for Thought is a triple award‑winning non-profit founded in 2019 by Raffaella Covino. They offer information and resources, accredited Mental Health First Aid training, talks, workshops, consultancy, therapist directories, and bespoke wellbeing schemes, all designed to support those working in the performing‑arts industry.
If you have any questions or are trying to support your mental health whilst working in the industry, we are here for you.
Click on any of the below to find out more:
