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BAPAM’s return to performance series: keeping mentally well

12:00pm – 2:00pm, Wednesday 22nd Sep 2021

BAPAM’s Return to Performance Series – Keeping Mentally Well with Beverley Hills

BAPAM’s purpose is to improve health in the performing arts and support enhanced performance excellence through well-being and good practice.

As the largest provider of career-specific healthcare to performers in the UK, we are uniquely positioned to bring together expert clinicians, educators, researchers, artists and creators to deliver innovative training to empower the arts community to improve and maintain health throughout our creative work and learning spaces.

This introductory 2-hour session is designed for performing arts professionals and students and outlines risk factors and key strategies to sustain good mental health and wellbeing throughout a demanding career.

Tutor: Beverley Hills M.A ADV PG Dip Cert. MBACP MHFA

Beverley has worked as a therapist with many clients across the arts. A creative with 35 years’ experience working freelance, Beverley is also a careers advisor for Equity and BECTU.

“My background is in the creative arena of film, stage and TV, this means I have a wealth of experience to do with anxiety, panic attacks, rejection, fear as well as bereavement, family, relationships, sexual issues addiction and more. I also counsel couples and troubled teens. My diverse career means I have a wider than average skillset for you to call upon. Trained in many different theories, I believe one type doesn’t fit all because isn’t every person different? As a counsellor of colour I find BAME clients relate closely to me. I also work with transitioning and LGBTQ clients. A member of the BACP, I work within their ethical framework; confidentiality is assured at all times.”

Research looking at health issues within the performing arts workforce consistently finds that 70-75% of our population report both mental and physical health problems, which is much higher than the national average. We are lucky to be working with a number of health and wellbeing experts who can offer training to performers across the UK, with the aim of reducing the levels of poor health and supporting performers to have a sustainable career. Working with our partners in Equity, Musicians’ Union, Help Musicians UK and Performing Arts Education Providers – who are very kindly giving us free use of training venues – we are expanding our national training programme supporting healthy performance in the UK.