Media, marketing and creative industry wellbeing: Mentally Healthy Change Group

Many in the media, market and creative industry thrive on the hustle and bustle created by the industry’s project-based and competitive nature. But, it can lead to mentally unhealthy ways of working.  

“I watched a lot of poor mental health happen around me and to me … So much of it was about the system – the way we work.”

Andy Wright, Mentally Healthy Change Group Co-chair 

A group of passionate individuals established the Mentally Healthy Change Group to take collective action on mental health in the industry. This voluntary group meets regularly to discuss issues and develop solutions, with members contributing time and resources to deliver activities.  

Research showed people in the industry wanted empathic leadership, flexible work and clarity around objectives and job roles, not checklists, motivational posters and generic wellbeing programs.  

The group’s activities include: 

• producing a set of minimum standards for mental health in the industry 
• sharing leaders’ stories and experiences around mental health, to demonstrate leaders showing vulnerability and normalising mental health conversations 
• delivering a monthly webinar that teams an industry leader with a psychologist to discuss workplace mental health issues 
• training workers and leaders on mental health first aid.  

The Mentally Healthy Group identified some key lessons for others: 

• Listen to the people in your industry, and engage with them in a personal capacity. It’s not about where someone works or their role in the company; it’s about them and what they can contribute.  
• Meet regularly to maintain continuity and momentum.  
• Tap into the skills and expertise of people in the industry.  
• Don’t be afraid to try something new.