As unpaid carers working in the UK film and TV industry, we try to balance caring responsibilities with our demanding film and broadcast careers. We can be pulled in so many directions that we risk burning ourselves out mentally and physically. Sometimes, we all need a little bit of help. Industry support is available to help you find balance in your carer and work roles.

Being a carer can leave you feeling isolated and uncertain about the future. Whether you have recently become a carer, or have been a carer for some time, we’re here to support you. There is also some brilliant industry support available.

We won’t pretend otherwise. Finding ways to continue working in our industry, particularly as a freelancer, whilst providing care and support for someone, can be very challenging, but not impossible. Groups such as Raising Films and Share My Telly Job are already making great progress raising carer awareness and creating opportunities for flexible working within the film and TV industries. We hope, as Film and TV Carer’s Club grows, that we can also develop opportunities for carers working in film and TV.

Our aim is to empower carers to remain in, or return to, work in our industry. If you would like to discuss your options, join one of our monthly Carer’s Zoom meet-up.

Film + TV Charity

The Film and TV Charity supports those working in production and behind the scenes in film, TV and cinema, including freelancers. From their Bullying Advice Service to their Mental Wellbeing Services and Financial Support, they also have a range of tools and resources to support your mental, financial and social wellbeing. Their free and confidential 24/7 Film and TV Support Line is also available on 0800 054 0000 for anyone that needs a listening ear. Head to their website today to see how they could help you.

Raising Films

Raising Films’ mission is to support, promote and campaign for parents and carers in the UK screen sector.

Raising Films conducted a ground breaking national survey which lead to the 2019 ‘We Need To Talk About Caring’ report about the scope and scale of caring across the film and TV industries. It highlighted a real need for targeted training, specifically in Carer Awareness for the creative industries.

Share My Telly Job

Share My Telly Job works hard to champion job-sharing as the most practical solution to the fact there are virtually no part-time or flexible jobs in the TV industry whilst challenging the negative perceptions surrounding part-time work in the TV industry. An excellent site for tips on how to job-share.

ScreenSkills

ScreenSkills is the industry-led skills body for the screen industries – film, television (including children's, unscripted and high-end), VFX (visual effects), animation and games.

ScreenSkills provides career development and support for those returning to the industry.

Dolly Mental Health

Dolly Mental Health delivers online and face to face mental health training in the Film and TV industry aiming to help individuals and teams support their own and others’ mental health better including a certified Mental Health First Aider course, a shorter Mental Health Awareness course or request bespoke training such as Mental Health for Working with Contributors.

Their team’s background working in film and TV means they really understand the nuanced pressures and stresses that creative workforces experience.

Bectu

Bectu represents over 40,000 staff, contract and freelance workers in the media and entertainment industries.

Bectu’s website has a lot of useful advice including a section on flexible working, the TakeTwo job sharing blueprint, Careersmart and the Creative Toolkit.

Film and TV Carer’s Club accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.