As we continue to focus on wellbeing on set we are delighted to welcome Natalie Amber of Triple C who shares here the steps they are taking to ensure that mental health issues are properly addressed and dealt with across our Industry. Thank you Natalie for your insight.
As part of my work at TripleC, I support lived experience focus groups, including one dedicated to mental health. Through the conversations and work of the group, one thing has become very clear; while society is getting better at talking about mental health, those conversations are still often quite limited.
We tend to focus on more commonly discussed experiences like anxiety and depression. But there are many other mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders that are still surrounded by misunderstanding and unhelpful stereotypes.
For many people working in the arts and screen industries, this creates a real fear. A fear that being open about their mental health could lead to judgement, discrimination, or even impact their opportunities for work. As a result, people often feel they have to hide a fundamental part of who they are.
When someone doesn’t feel safe to speak openly, it also means they may not be able to ask for the access or support they need. And when that happens, the industry risks losing out on their talent, creativity, and perspective.
At TripleC, we see how important it is to create spaces where people can speak honestly about their experiences. Our mental health focus group is about more than conversation it’s about understanding the additional access barriers people face and working together to address them.
Because knowledge really is power.
But awareness alone isn’t enough, action matters.
Creating a more accessible and supportive workplace doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with recognising that everyone’s experience is different and taking the time to listen to what someone needs to do their best work.
Simple, practical steps can make a real difference. This might include working with individuals to create an access document that outlines their needs and can be shared with relevant Heads of Department. It could be ensuring there is a quiet space available where someone can take a few minutes to regulate, or building in regular breaks and more flexible working patterns.
Providing clear information in advance is also incredibly helpful.
Sharing details about new locations, schedules, or even interview questions ahead of time allows people to prepare properly and feel more confident going into a situation.
Where possible, giving advance notice of any changes rather than waiting until the day can make a big difference, helping people to adjust and avoid having to process unexpected situations in the moment.
These kinds of adjustments are often small, but their impact can be significant not just for someone with a mental health condition, but for the wellbeing of the whole team.
No one should feel isolated or ashamed because of their mental health. And no one should have to choose between being themselves and being able to work.
By working together industry and community we can challenge misconceptions, build understanding, and create working environments where people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
Ultimately, the industry is stronger when it embraces empathy, values lived experience, and makes space for everyone to bring their whole selves to the work they do.