Buckets of Love

Entertainment Assist – a national charity focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of the entertainment industry – is running a fundraising initiative - raising money to provide free education programs for the industry, supporting mental health challenges.

The Buckets of Love program will take place across the weekend of 9-12 October in theatres across Australia, to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month.

MJ the Musical at the Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, Back to the Future, at the Sydney Lyric, Here You Come Again at Theatre Royal Sydney, Pretty Woman and other productions at QPAC in Brisbane, multiple productions at across Perth Venues, including Beauty and the Beast at Crown and Cats in Her Majesty’s in Adelaide, will all take part in fundraising for the cause.

Entertainment Assist’s goal is to reduce the alarmingly high rates of suicide, anxiety and depression in the entertainment industry. By providing free education through their prevention-based program Intermission, the organisation can help entertainment industry workers feel supported and armed with the knowledge to better manage their mental health.

Research has shown that entertainment industry workers are particularly vulnerable, with alarmingly high suicidality, moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms. “A prevention-based approach to education is essential to intervene so people can find support before they reach crisis, this is our way to help and our mission.” says Chief Executive of Entertainment Assist, Julia Edwards.

Buckets of Love encourages audience members who attend a performance around Australia from Thursday 9th through to and Sunday 12th October to contribute whatever they can via donation buckets presented or via QR code donation in theatres and venue foyers post-performance.

Donations can also be made online and 100% of the donations will go to providing the industry with free mental health and wellness education programs. Producers and theatres can register to take part in this weekend of giving by registering their production or venue, or utilising their communication channels to help champion the cause.

Donations, inquiries about participating at your theatre and further practical information: www.entertainmentassist.org.au/buckets-of-love