As part of our commitment to providing and creating safe spaces for Monkeys, we are thrilled to launch a new collaborative partnership with Wellbeing in the Arts, a leading provider of mental health and wellbeing support specifically for the Arts industry, from March 2023 onwards.

 

Recent MHFA England research reported that 78% of students experienced mental health issues in a given year and, as demand increases for university-funded student support services, we are delighted to be able to offer our student community access to Wellbeing in the Arts’ counselling, wellbeing support, workshops, and surgeries. 

At the forefront of Fourth Monkey’s holistic approach to professional actor training is ensuring that our students can make the most of their training and that their journey is inspiring, enriching and stimulating.  

 

However, we know that the rigors of professional actor training can at times also be difficult or stressful, especially for young people living away from home for the first time or adapting to life in a city which is as busy and bustling as London.  

 

As part of our commitment to providing and creating safe spaces for Monkeys, we have a diverse range of tools and structures in place to support for our actors in training, including dedicated Student Welfare services and we are proud to be Wellbeing in the Arts’ first collaboration with a drama school or Higher Education provider to further expand and enhance the support we provide our students. 

From March 2023, Fourth Monkey students will be able to access bespoke access to a variety of students and experienced counsellors through Wellbeing in the Arts, all of whom are BACP / UKCP registered.  

 

This diverse team of counsellors all have knowledge, understanding and experience of the unique challenges of working in the creative arts, meaning they will be able to work with students on both professional and personal challenges and issues, from anxiety and stress to trauma and eating disorders, as part of Wellbeing in the Arts’ vision to ensure every individual, production and organisation in the arts has access to mental health and wellbeing support. 

 

Access to mental health support and services through Wellbeing in the Arts will be subsidised by Fourth Monkey and sessions are available by phone, online or in person (where possible) – whatever best suits an individual student’s needs or situation. What is more, all services are strictly confidential to better empower students to make use of Wellbeing in the Arts specialist knowledge whenever they feel the need to do so.  

 

Plus, Fourth Monkey staff will also be able to benefit from this new partnership, as Wellbeing in the Arts will be offering monthly unconscious bias and Mental Health First Aid training, both to complement existing Student Welfare Services and to enable staff across all departments feel confident when supporting and signposting students and colleagues in their mental health journeys. 

This new collaborative partnership with Wellbeing in the Arts will enhance and expand our existing Student Welfare and Learning Support provision: 

• A dedicated Welfare & Learning Support Coordinator, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space, in which students can discuss any wellbeing, mental health or disability concerns that may be affecting their ability to study and receive signposting and support. 
• Access to the Spectrum Life platform, thanks to our relationship with accreditation partner, Falmouth University, a fully confidential counselling and wellbeing student support service, offering immediate support and advice for students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Interested in learning more about student life at Fourth Monkey or our wider Student Welfare Service? Head to our Student Life landing page, which includes suggestions for locations to get you started when searching for student accommodation, interviews with graduates about their time at Fourth Monkey and much more.