Wellbeing Helpline – creative industries
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The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential Australia-wide counselling service for anyone working in the creative industries.
Speak with qualified mental health professionals who understand the pressures of creative work and can support you through whatever you’re facing.
Call 1800 959 500 from anywhere in Australia
Remember: if you or someone you care about is in crisis or at immediate risk, dial 000.
You don’t have to be in a crisis to call the Helpline. Sometimes you just need to talk it out.
Other ways to access support
Use our live chat (left of this page) to book in an appointment with a counsellor.
You’ll chat with a real person.
Send an email enquiry to book in a time to chat.
Your enquiry will be responded to within the following business day of it being sent.
About the helpline
The basics
The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is delivered in partnership with AccessEAP, a leading profit-for-purpose Employee Assistance Program provider with more than 30 years’ experience in mental health and workplace wellbeing.
The Helpline is staffed by experienced counsellors who can support individuals with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns, career and work-related stress, financial pressures, and conflict. The service provides up to 12 free counselling sessions per person, with appointments generally available at times that suit your needs.
The Wellbeing Helpline forms part of Support Act’s broader, integrated model of mental health support, which reflects the core elements of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Alongside counselling, eligible individuals and small teams can also access mediation and critical incident support delivered with AccessEAP, as well as Support Act’s sector-specific mental health education and training programs.
For sole traders, freelancers, and small to medium-sized creative organisations without access to a formal EAP, this integrated model can function as a practical alternative, supporting people who may be experiencing, or are at risk of, mental ill health, distress or crisis. Larger organisations can continue to access Support Act’s education and training programs and may also choose to engage Support Act as an industry-specific EAP partner through a formal, fee-for-service arrangement.
Your wellbeing is our priority. Whether you are working independently, as part of a small team, or within a larger organisation, support is available — and no issue is too big or too small to reach out.
Talking to a counsellor for the first time
Chatting to a counsellor from the Wellbeing Helpline is an opportunity to connect with a compassionate support person who understands the unique challenges associated with working in a creative job.
If it’s just one session to access advice, recommendations and simply take advantage of a kind, listening ear or a number of sessions to work on an ongoing issue or challenge, the Helpline can assist you.
It can take some time to develop a relationship with the person you’re talking to, especially if this is the first time you have engaged with a counsellor. Remember, when it comes to support (like our taste in music) not everything will be right for everyone.
The right person is out there, and if you stick with it, you’ll find the therapeutic relationship to be humanising, illuminating and beneficial.
Accessing the Wellbeing Helpline if you are deaf, hearing or speech impaired
If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you. Find out more here or use the numbers below:
Voice Relay number
1300 555 727 (and then add 1800 959 500)
TTY number
133 677 (and then add 1800 959 500)
SMS relay number
0423 677 767 (and then add 1800 959 500)
You can also submit an online booking at the bottom of this page, and request an Auslan or Deaf / Blind Tactile interpreter or request to connect with a counsellor who signs.
We will respond as soon as we can during business hours.
Accessing dedicated support for specific issues or identity groups
The Helpline offers dedicated support lines for:
LGBTQIA+ community #2
First Nations creative workers #3
Managers & Team leaders #4
Respect@Work issues #4
You can also access specialised counselling services, including financial, nutritional and legal counselling.
Share the support
Help us reach more creative workers by sharing our resources, posters, and Helpline details with your networks, workplaces, and communities. The more people who know support is available, the more people we can help.
Wellbeing Helpline – Social media & email banners
Frequently asked questions
Who can use the Wellbeing Helpline?
Anyone working in the creative industries in any role can call. This includes artists, performers, crew, freelancers, producers, managers, administrators, educators, and behind the scenes workers.
How does it work?
When you call, the intake worker will ask your details and make an appointment for a time that suits you.
Your counsellor will ask you some general questions in your first appointment, such as which part of the creative industries you work in and some other personal details for duty of care purposes.
You do not need to disclose anything that you are uncomfortable sharing.
Do I need proof that I work in the creative industries?
No. You simply need to identify as working in the creative industries or the arts in Australia.
Can I use the Wellbeing Helpline from overseas?
Yes, there are a few ways of accessing support if you are currently away from home.
Email [email protected] and specify the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, you will get a call back the next business day.
If you would like on the spot support, you can call +61 (02) 8247 9111.
This will go through to our Helpline partners Access EAP directly, you can then advise you are calling for the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline at this time.
You can also find a list of toll-free contacts in each region.
Is it really free?
Yes. There is no cost to use the Helpline.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Your conversations are private and not shared with employers, colleagues, or Support Act unless you request otherwise.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes. You can share as much or as little identifying information as you choose.
What can I talk about?
Anything impacting your mental health.
Common topics include stress, burnout, career concerns, workplace issues, conflict, financial strain, creative pressure, anxiety, relationships, grief, or feeling stuck.
You don’t need to be in crisis to call. Some people are reluctant to ask for help thinking their problem isn’t big enough. You don’t have to worry about that with the Helpline.
If your mental health is impacted, that’s a good enough reason to call. Sometimes you just need to talk it out.
Is it only for mental health crises?
No. You don’t need to be in crisis. Many creatives call for early support, clarity, stress management, or just someone to talk to.
What if I need immediate emergency help?
If you’re in danger or need urgent medical support, call Triple Zero (000) or your local emergency service first.
Are the counsellors qualified?
The Wellbeing Helpline is staffed by experienced counsellors from AccessEAP. They are predominantly psychologists, with some specialist social workers and counsellors. All hold full registration and membership with the appropriate accreditation bodies in Australia.
If you would like to speak to a counsellor of a specific gender/background or if you don’t connect with the first counsellor you speak with, please let the team know and we’ll do our best to accomodate your request.
Will the counsellors understand my job and the challenges faced by performing arts workers?
Yes. All counsellors are experienced mental health professionals who understand the pressures and realities of creative work.
Support Act works closely with the counsellors to ensure they have an understanding of the challenges faced by music and creative industries workers. Many of the counsellors have direct experience working in different part of the sector.
However, you may still need to explain some aspects of your job. We appreciate your patience if the counsellors are not across every aspect of your work environment.
Can I get ongoing support?
Yes. Counsellors can arrange follow up sessions or refer you to longer term support if needed.
You can access 12 counselling sessions for yourself and family members per year.
This is two more sessions annually than the standard mental health plan offered via your GP!
Can students or emerging creatives call?
Yes. Students, recent graduates, and early career creatives are welcome to use the service.
Can I call from overseas?
There are a few ways of accessing support if you are currently away from home:
Email [email protected] and specify the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, you will get a call back the next business day.
If you would like on the spot support, you can call +61 (02) 8247 9111. This will go through to our Helpline partners Access EAP directly, you can then advise you are calling for the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline at this time.
You can also find a list of toll-free contacts in each region.
The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is delivered with support from
