We Understand the Challenges
Approximately 60-70% of actors and stage management reported struggling with their mental health and wellbeing in the past yearThe Big Freelancer Survey – 2024 Freelancers Make Theatre Work. (2024). The Big Freelancer Survey. (Reported in: The Stage. 2025. Burnout and depression: Stage managers warn of mental health crisis. . If you’re feeling it too, know that you’re not alone. Research shows that those working in the performing arts are twice as likely to experience depression as people in other jobsEquity’s 2022 Scoping Review of Mental Health in Performing Arts Clements, L. (2022). Mental health in the performing arts: A scoping review of academic literature. Equity UK. (Referenced in: London Daily. 2025, July 3. People in performing arts are twice as likely to have depression, Equity finds. , nearly two thirds of off-screen professionals have faced mental health issues related to their workFilm and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Survey – 2024 The Film and TV Charity. (2024). The Looking Glass: Mental health in the UK film and TV industry. . We understand the unique pressures of this industry: the constant rejection, the emotional demands, the sporadic work patterns. We also know that life outside of work can throw curveballs, so whatever you’re going through, we’re here to help you access the support you need.
GRANTS
If your mental health is impacting your ability to work, we may be able to provide financial support to ease the burden and help you access therapeutic interventions.
Find out more
WEBINARS
Join our free online sessions in partnership with BAPAM, where you can learn practical techniques, connect with fellow actors and stage managements, and gain insights from industry professionals.
Find out more
24/7 SUPPORT:
We have a partnership with Shout: you can access free, confidential, 24/7 support by texting ACT to 85258.
Find out more
INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Explore our collection of helpful resources and information. Please note that our support is not appropriate for all situations, and we are not an emergency service. If you or someone you know needs immediate medical help or urgent support, please find other sources of support here.
Find out more
Useful articles
Actors Trust is thrilled to be taking part in Big Give's Christmas Challenge from 2 - 9 December 2025. The best part? Donations made during the fundraising week will be doubled by our match funding champion to make double the difference to someone in need.
Join Lesley Joseph and Rob Rinder in conversation on Zoom on Sunday 23rd November at 11.00 am. Bring a coffee and settle in for an exciting discussion about Lesleys life spent behind the camera and treading the boards.
This is the stuff that dreams are made of! We're excited to welcome three new ambassadors: Indira Varma, Luke Brady and Jason Pennycooke.
We need as many people as possible to help spread the word about Actors Trust and the support we offer. You can download our posters and leaflets below to share with important contacts. Please share this information with your colleagues, local theaters, agents, producers, and production companies. Your active involvement is what makes all the difference. Thank you!
Over the past decade, you may have seen the striking Sgt. Pepper-style montages circulating on social media, in the press, and on television each one honouring the famous faces weve lost that year. The artist behind them, Chris Barker, has approached Actors Trust to say hed like to support us with this art project as he commemorates ten years.
Read how research, member feedback, and the Boards vision informed our repositioning in our Chair and CEO's letter.
Today, were lifting the curtain on a new chapter of support - with new mental health and wellbeing resources, preventative initiatives to help with finances, career, and health on their way, plus an expanded grants programme.
Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya? WE do!Were thrilled to welcome Paul Chahidi, Celia Imrie and Danny Sapani as our new ambassadors.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our survey to better understand the community and challenges of actors and stage management in the current climate.
Actors' Trust and BAPAM are delighted to bring you a series of free webinars with therapist Heather Turkington to help you support your wellbeing.
We're excited to announce Maxine Peake as our newest Ambassador, joining Christopher Eccleston and Ruth Jones. Together, they will help us to raise awareness and help many more actors and stage managers." - Alison Wyman (CEO)
Obituary of the esteemed actor, Brian Murphy, who served as a Trustee of Actors' Trust (formerly known as the Actors' Benevolent Fund) for over 30 years. This obituary was written by Amanda Holt, an actor and member of Actors' Trust.