In its goal to drive long-term cultural change, the programme will introduce training, support structures and inclusive practices across Wales' creative industries. Image credit: Shutterstock.
On World Mental Health Day 2025, which took place on Friday 10 October, CULT Cymru launched a new initiative to tackle the root causes of poor mental health in Wales’ creative industries, particularly among freelancers.
The Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing 4 Creatives initiative aims to bring together creative unions, employers, government and specialist organisations to embed wellbeing support structures across TV, Film, live events and the arts.
Highlighting the need for change
Research across the creative industries has shown that poor working practices, insecure employment, and a lack of support are contributing to widespread mental health and wellbeing problems:
- 76% of freelancers in TV & Film said poor recruitment practices negatively impacted their mental health (Bectu/CULT Cymru, 2024)
- 30% of UK freelancers had suicidal thoughts in the past year (Film & TV Charity, 2024)
- 32% female musicians in the UK experienced sexual harassment (Musicians’ Census, 2023)
- 60% behind the scenes creatives in Wales are struggling financially (Bectu, 2025)
- 68% creative freelancers considering leaving the industry (Creative Wales, 2024)
MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said:
“At the same time as providing support for those who need it, as an industry we need to tackle the root causes of poor mental wellbeing. The Musicians’ Census has clearly identified contributing factors such as low pay, career barriers and witness or experiencing discrimination.”
Introducing training, support structures and inclusive practices
In its goal to drive long-term cultural change, the programme will consist of a range of activities to support creative sector wellbeing across Wales.
Key activities include Mental Health First Aid training for live events and music venue staff and freelancers, ED&I training for employers and workers, and placing wellbeing facilitators on TV and film productions. Further information will be announced soon.
Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership said: “The mental health and wellbeing of our creative workforce is essential for maintaining Wales' position as a vibrant, world-class destination for creative industries.
“The statistics are stark - too many talented people are struggling. That's why I'm proud the Welsh Government is supporting CULT Cymru’s groundbreaking initiative bringing together unions, employers, and specialist organisations in an unprecedented collaborative effort.”
CULT Cymru is hosted by Becti working in partnership with the MU, Equity, the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and Wales TUC. It offers a range of training sessions throughout the year, on topics including mental health, first aid, and finance for freelancers.
View all upcoming sessions on Eventbrite via the button below.
CULT Cymru training sessions