Navigating Alcohol and Substance Use

About the series

Join us for a series of expert-led workshops to support actors and stage managers in building skills for improved mental health and sustainable creative practice. The sessions are facilitated by experienced practitioners who regularly work with performing artists.

Each of the six sessions focuses on a specific challenge, practical techniques for self-care, and support strategies. Each session works as a one-off or you can join all six.

Best of all, these workshops will be held online, so you can join from the comfort of your own home (and feel free to have your camera on or off as you prefer!).

Managing Stress, Anxiety & Burnout

Coping With Rejection

Navigating Alcohol and Substance Use

Embodiment, Body Image and Self-esteem

Respect, Rapport and Boundaries at Work and Beyond

Vocal Health

Learn more about the other webinars

Navigating Alcohol and Substance Use

Working as an actor or stage manager can mean late nights, parties, cast drinks… all part of the job and often, a way to socialise and bond with colleagues and peers. But what happens when it becomes too much? And how can we make sure that we and our peers have a healthy relationship with alcohol and other substances?

In this session we will look at:

• Explore the relationship between creative professionals and alcohol or substance use.
• What a healthy and unhealthy relationship with alcohol and substances can look like
• How to understand if you or someone you work with may need support
• How to navigate working in environments where you may come into contact with alcohol or substances
• Time for reflection, discussion and questions

Facilitator: Chula Goonewardene

Chula Goonewardene is an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist who worked as a professional musician before becoming a clinical consultant, trainer and psychotherapist with expertise in helping people overcome alcohol and substance misuse.

Alongside his private psychotherapy practice, Chula is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Attune, providing mental health & well-being support packages to organisations and creatives in the Music Industry. He is also a Clinical Consultant for Music Support, The Pocressi Initiative and the Centre for Social Justice, writes and podcasts for various publications, lectures at LSBU, and still finds the time to play drums regularly for the Council of Neptune. Chula comes from a Buddhist family and uses this philosophy to enhance both his personal and professional life.

Actors’ Trust

The entertainment industry can be a collaborative, creative and exciting one, but it can, at times, be isolating and insecure. Actors’ Trust (which used to be known as the Actors’ Benevolent Fund) is here to provide a place of community and support for actors and stage management through our range of grants and wellbeing services.

We’ve been supporting industry professionals across sound, stage and screen since 1882. Today, we continue to make the greatest possible difference to a community that brings so much meaning and inspiration to others.

Whether you are in need of help or would like to support us, we are here and would love to hear from you.

Find out more.

BAPAM

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) is the largest provider of clinical services to the UK’s performing arts sector, working with actors, music creators, performers, production professionals, dancers and other creative practitioners. The charity provides free, bespoke clinical advice and care from expert clinicians in a range of disciplines, responding to requests for help with mental health, musculoskeletal care, vocal health, hearing concerns and some eye care and dental health issues. With expertise gained in evidence-based practice and research in the field, BAPAM’s free workshops and online resources share knowledge and skills to support good health and sustainable creative careers.

Find out more.