Theatre Wellbeing Mornings
Now more than ever, during these strange and difficult times, it is important that we are kind to one another and take time to look after our own wellbeing. The Theatre Wellbeing Project, a grassroots, multidisciplinary initiative which has been running for a number of years, aims to do just this, by promoting self-care and compassion within the theatre team.
As a response to the ongoing emotional burden of coronavirus, theatre staff have set up daily wellbeing sessions to enable all members of the team to take time out of their day to recharge and reset. The sessions take place every morning within the theatre complex. For half an hour every day before theatres start, all theatre staff have access to a psychologist who provides a variety of mindfulness, meditation and relaxation sessions whilst colleagues take stock over breakfast. Personal one-to-one sessions are also available on request for those that need it, alongside breakout sessions where staff can share stories, or engage in a morning yoga session to start the day. These sessions aim to provide a safe space for staff to unwind, learn skills to deal with stress, and reflect on their experiences over the past few weeks.
Formally capturing the difference that wellbeing interventions make is notoriously difficult, but evidence comes in numbers; with attendance topping 50 people per day, these moments of quiet calm reach beyond the immediate theatre team and to the wider multidisciplinary network. Staff feedback is unanimously positive, with some comments seen below:
"I have worked here for 22 years - this is the first time that something has been done for us, the staff, just for ourselves, and it makes such a huge difference to me."
"The morning sessions make me feel calm before the day starts and give me tools to stay calm during the day."
"The atmosphere in theatres seems calmer, people are more patient - the effect lasts all day."
The sessions are continuing for the foreseeable future and there are plans to expand the activities available. We hope as time goes on they will become a natural part of a functioning work environment.
With particular thanks to Geraldine Cunningham, Polly Fitch, Dr Annie Hunningher, Joy MacInnes, and the wider psychology team, all of whom without which this project would not have been possible.
The Theatre Wellbeing Team
Tony Allnatt, Philippa Horne, Lindsey Iles