WELCOME TO YOUR…
Woman In Mind 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 “Woman In Mind” and its London, Sunderland and Glasgow Oct 2025 - Mar 2026 run.
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
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.
“I think I’ve built them — my family — out of all the best bits I’ve ever wanted from people. The kindness, the warmth, the laughter. They’re so lovely, it hurts.”
- Alan Ayckbourn, Woman In Mind
Resources & Information
Below are the key themes from Woman In Mind 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.
Grief and Loss
Susan’s longing for a different life and her disconnection from her real family reflects unprocessed grief and loss. The absence of emotional support intensifies her psychological distress.
UK Support Resource:
Cruse Bereavement Support – helpline, online, and local grief support: cruse.org.uk | 0808 808 1677
Winston’s Wish – support for children and young people experiencing bereavement: winstonswish.org
Family Dysfunction
The contrast between Susan’s idealised fantasy family and her real family highlights neglect, poor communication, and emotional unavailability.
UK Support Resources:
Family Lives – parenting, family conflict, and support: familylives.org.uk | 0808 800 2222
Relate – relationship counselling for families and couples: relate.org.uk | 0300 100 1234
Mental Health and Psychological Breakdown
The play explores Susan’s gradual descent into delusion and hallucination, highlighting the fragility of mental wellbeing under pressure and isolation.
UK Support Resources:
Mind – mental health information, helplines, and local services: mind.org.uk | 0300 123 3393
Samaritans – 24/7 emotional support: samaritans.org | 116 123
Isolation and Loneliness
Susan’s emotional isolation, exacerbated by a lack of connection with her family, fuels her need to create a fantasy family in her mind.
UK Support Resources:
Campaign to End Loneliness – guidance and local support networks: campaigntoendloneliness.org
Age UK – social connection and wellbeing services: ageuk.org.uk | 0800 678 1602
Escapism & Fantasy vs Reality
Susan constructs an idealised family in her imagination to escape the pressures and disappointments of her real life. This theme examines coping mechanisms and boundaries between reality and imagination.
UK Support Resources:
Mind – managing stress and coping strategies: mind.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness – advice and peer support for complex mental health experiences: rethink.org | 0300 5000 927
Identity and Self Worth
Susan struggles with her sense of identity and self-esteem, feeling unseen, unappreciated, and disconnected from her own life, which drives her internal narrative.
UK Support Resources:
Samaritans – emotional support for low mood and distress: samaritans.org | 116 123
Mind – support for self-esteem and confidence: mind.org.uk
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.
― Alan Ayckbourn, Woman In Mind
“If I could just stop thinking, for one second, maybe I could sleep. But I think I’ve been awake for years.”
“If I could just stop thinking, for one second, maybe I could sleep. But I think I’ve been awake for years.”
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.
Samaritans – samaritans.org
Shout – giveusashout.org
NHS Mental Health Services
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:
