UK directors’ charity, the Directors Charitable Foundation (DCF), is launching a wellbeing and mental health support service for directors and directors, in partnership with UK psychotherapy support society Solas Mind.

The DCF Directors Wellbeing Hub will provide directors with one-on-one Solas Mind therapy, as well as access to an online support center specifically designed for directors’ needs.

Solas services are provided at reduced levels. Additionally, grants are available from the DCF that will allow eligible administrators to access the therapy free of charge. DCF is in partnership with the association of professional directors Directors UK.

Solas provides therapeutic support services to productions, studios, crews and creative freelancers; and is experienced in working around production schedules, providing accessible slots for directors.

“Our research has shown that administrators often feel isolated and pressured in their role, both in and out of the workplace, lacking support when they need it most,” said Andrew Chowns, President of DCF and former CEO of Directors UK.

“Time, money and stigma are three of the common barriers administrators face when seeking help. We hope that by providing discounted therapy to those who need it at the time of their choosing, we are helping to break down barriers to entry, and this will encourage more stage and screen directors to apply for therapy. help and resources when they need it most.

“While we recognize that many issues affecting directors and our fellow independent directors require change in the industry, at DCF we are focused on providing immediate help and support to our fellow directors in the need,” added Dan Zeff, DCF administrator and television executive.

“Finding a therapist who will understand our work situations and more importantly at a time that is convenient should help encourage many to seek help when they need it. Additionally, by providing funding where needed, we hope reaching directors who might otherwise consider this kind of support out of reach; no one’s sanity should be a luxury.

In a Film and TV Charity study published in February this year, 78% of respondents said the intensity of their work had a negative effect on their mental health; with one in six respondents working more than 60 hours a week, compared to one in 50 on average in the UK.

The charity then launched The Whole Picture Toolkit free resource to destigmatize poor mental health in film and TV, with an adoption target of 100 productions by the end of 2022.