The Devil Wears Prada - Support Page
Please scroll down for information on the complimentary support available.
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 “The Devil Wears Prada” and it’s West End run.
Below you will find information on how to book in a 25 minute check in, details about the themes and content of the show, resources and support links, information about Victoria your PWP as well as mental health tips that might feel helpful over the course of the run.
Resources & Support
Please find below details and information about how to access resources and support that is industry specific. This isn’t an exhaustive list and should not replace talking to your GP or finding support for yourself if you feel particularly affected by anything whilst working within this production. This is something you can discuss with Victoria, should you feel comfortable. All links include resources available to or tailored specifically for anyone that is non-binary and/or identifies as LGBTIQ+.
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What is the role of a Mental Health First Aider?
When alerted that someone may be a risk of harm to themselves or others, to take appropriate steps to try and avoid or limit the risk of such harm.
Provide help to prevent mental health issues from becoming more serious.
Promote recovery of good mental health by signposting to professional resources, raising awareness and breaking stigma Provide comfort to a person with a mental health issue.
A MHFA can be utilised when a person is well, becoming unwell and at the early stages of being unwell. In the latter stages of being unwell and into recovery, this must be supported by a mental health professional.
Your company mental health first aiders are
Jake Bartles - General Manager - The Devil Wears Prada.
Katy Bryant - General Manager - JWP
Mental Health First Aiders are not therapists. They are employees and company members just like everyone else, it's always helpful to ask if they have space and time to talk about mental health and if not they can signpost you to another resource.
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The Applause for Thought support roster contains contact information for a variety of specialists including counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches who offer their services to those associated with AFT at a discounted rate. To become a member of AFT’s support roster, each individual has had to declare their professional status, insurance and proficiency in training, as well as their experience of working with those in the arts industry with a diverse range of identities and lived experiences.
We at AFT are unable to guarantee each specialist’s availability as they work independently. For all enquiries, please get in touch with the specialist directly. If you have any questions regarding our support roster, or would like to find out more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at info@applauseforthought.co.uk.
https://applauseforthought.com/resources/
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As part of your contract on The Devil Wears Prada, you have access to a psychotherapist at The Self Space.
The Self Space are a contemporary mental health service. They offer confidential access to a team of over 70 Therapists, Psychotherapists, and counsellors. You can choose your day, your time and your therapist. Meet with your therapist virtually via video chat or at one of their locations.
Booking link: https://theselfspace.com/book/
Select Self in the City which is in the corporate section. Through JWP You are entitled to 3 free sessions initially, which are confidential.
JWP will only ever be told about the number of people who have used the service but nothing beyond that.
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Industry Minds
www.industryminds.co.uk
info@industryminds.co.uk
Instagram: @industrymindsuk
Twitter: @IndustryMindsUK
Wellbeing in the Arts
www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
Stage Management Wellbeing
Twitter: @SmWellbeing
Instagram: @sm_wellbeing
Artist Wellbeing
www.artistwellbeing.co.uk
Directors Charitable Foundation
https://www.directorscf.org/
Twitter: @DirectorsCF
Facebook: @directorscf
6ft From The Spotlight
www.6ftfrom.org
Playing Sane
www.playingsane.org
Actors’ Children’s Trust
www.actorschildren.org
Arts Minds
www.artsminds.co.uk
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Findatherapist.co.uk
Blackmindsmatteruk.com
Baatn.org.uk
Mind.org.uk
Beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Youngminds.org.uk
Kooth.com
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BAPAM – 020 7404 5888
Help Musicians – 0207 239 9101
Samaritans – 116 123
Switchboard (LGBT+) – 0300 330 0630
Shout (texting service) – 85258
How do check-ins work?
Check-ins are not a therapeutic or HR space, but instead offer a chance for you to speak to someone 1:1 outside of your organisation about mental health and well-being
They are led by Victoria.
Check-ins will be 25 minutes long (in some cases they can be longer) and are facilitated in person or on zoom .
They are designed to be a non- judgemental space for people who might be looking for further sign- posting support in regards to mental health and well-being .
They are a space that can offer an impartial and empathic ear.
These sessions are confidential but the limits of this confidentiality will be explained to you by Victoria and are not designed to fix or solve but instead support and guide you and allow a safe space for conversation.
During rehearsals and the run Victoria will be available for 2 hours a week via zoom/telephone).
The day of the week and times will change each month to allow for varying schedules across all departments
Book a time to speak to Victoria
Below are the available appointments in the next week to speak with Victoria for a wellbeing check-in. New slots are released every Thursday, so if you don’t see availability it means she is fully booked for this week, please check back by end of play Thursday or email if you’d like to explore options.
Victoria is contracted for a set number of hours each week to provide complimentary support. If demand exceeds this, or if longer-term support seems appropriate, she will discuss options with you openly and supportively.
Sessions can take place online via Zoom, in the theatre/rehearsal space (when visiting), or in Victoria’s private therapy room. All conversations follow BACP ethical and confidentiality guidelines; nothing will be shared without your consent unless there is risk of harm.
Victoria Abbott - Production Wellbeing Practitioner and Integrative Psychotherapist
Victoria (she/her) has un undergraduate degree in Psychology, a masters in the Psychodynamics of Human Development and a PGDip in Integrative Psychotherapy as well as experience and training as a performer. She has her own thriving private practice where she specialises in burnout, life transition, trauma, bereavement and anxiety and is the Support Lead at Applause For Thought.
Victoria believes in helping all those working in the creative industries develop practices that exist in harmony alongside the demands and requirements of the the job. Empowering individuals to support themselves and organisations to provide a duty of care.
Victoria is a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists), regularly takes her Production Wellbeing Practice to clinical/process supervision, and also engages in Continual Professional Development through on-going certified training and learning practices. Victoria was nominated for an Industry Mind award in 2022 for her contribution to mental health in the arts.
The role of the Production Wellbeing Practitioner on productions is to support and advise the Heads of Department (HoD) and Producers on how best to meet their duty of care to the crew and cast as a neutral third party. They are there to actively support the cast and crew with their own mental health, resilience and wellbeing as they work.
Where we differ from a lot of Wellbeing Facilitators in the industry, is that Victoria is also a registered psychotherapist so can offer one to one support within her private practice or group sessions to help creatives, crew and members of production process any emotional or mental health difficulties they may encounter when working in the development stages, in the rehearsal room or within the production.
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Resources & Support
See above for details on services and organisations that offer help and support both in and out of the industry
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Check Ins
Contact Victoria using the booking page above to arrange a 25 minute wellbeing check in.
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Mitigating Stress
Practical tools and information to support wellbeing and the impact of workplace stress.
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Crisis Care
Details on procedures for anyone in crisis or emergency with reference to their mental health.
“By all means, move at a glacial pace.”
― The Devil Wears Prada
Practical tools to mitigate the impact of stress…
Get to know your stress signature
We can split the symptoms of stress into four areas: physical, cognitive, behavioural and emotional. Physical symptoms can include headaches, muscle tension, tiredness, chest pains and heart palpitations. While cognitive symptoms include low concentration, irritability, fatigue and impaired memory.
Stress affects our emotional state too with symptoms including emotional outbursts, low mood, sensitivity to criticism, low confidence, anxiety and anger. Once we know what to look for in ourselves and others it can be easier to start using strategies earlier and with greater effect. To learn more about the signs of stress click here.
Develop healthy responses to stress
Stress can often trigger unhealthy behaviours, like neglecting sleep, drinking alcohol excessively or bingeing on unhealthy foods.
Turn that on its head, by doing your best to make healthy choices when the pressure increases. Examples of these could include:
Exercising
Allowing enough time for a healthy amount of high-quality
sleep
Maintaining a nutritious diet – not only is this healthier, but research shows that nutritious foods have stress-relieving benefits
Utilise or create a support system
We all experience tough times at work, so we need to know who we can rely on when this happens.
Identify the support system you can lean on during this time, whether that be friends, family or even colleagues at work.
Many employers contribute to this system, by offering internal services, such as training managers in Mental Health First Aid and providing a PWP.
If you require external support, then you should contact your GP, or an external service, such as the Samaritans.
Reward yourself for a job well done
When work gets busy, it’s tempting to only focus on the next task, rather than rewarding yourself for the task you’ve just completed.
When you complete a task, especially if it’s a significant one, reward yourself for your achievements. This could be successfully completing a technical run through or even bringing focus, energy and productivity to your work day.
It doesn’t have to be anything special! It could be a walk round the block, a chat with co-workers, your favourite coffee, anything that you enjoy. Taking time to recharge and come back to neutral is key to maintaining wellbeing.
Re-evaluate negative thoughts
When you’ve experienced worry and chronic stress for an extended period of time, your mind may tend to jump to conclusions and read into every situation with a negative lens.
For example, if your colleague doesn’t say hi to you first thing in the morning, you might react thinking “they’re mad at me.”
Instead of making automatic judgements, try distancing yourself from your negative thoughts and simply observe. In time you might even be able to reframe negative thoughts into more positive ones.
Learn relaxation techniques that work for you
Purposefully slowing down and being conscious of your surroundings can keep you relaxed throughout the week. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness all work to calm your anxiety.
Start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on being present and enjoying a simple activity — whether that’s a short walk around the park or appreciating a meal and then make it a habit. Here are a few other ways to build mindfulness into your daily routine: Pause for a few moments before starting your workday and set your intention. Download a meditation app you can use when feeling excessive pressure at work or during your commute. Schedule in a 5-minute break to try breathing exercises. Look out for Victoria’s tip of the week as they will include opportunities to practice this…
What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
You or someone you are working with may require immediate help or support. If you/they are feeling suicidal, there are people you can talk to who want to help you find some breathing space:
Call Samaritans 24-hour support service on 08457 90 90 90.
Go to, or call, your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling.
Contact NHS 111.
Make an urgent appointment to see your GP
Want to know more about Applause for thought….
At AFT we appreciate individuals are indeed that…individual. This is why we aim to create safe, empowering and empathetic spaces for all within the arts, whether that be through; our links to 121 support, at one of our talks or workshops, during our accredited mental health training courses, or when we work with organisations.
View their website here