Mental Health Week is May 6 - 12, 2024, and this year’s theme is centered on the healing power of compassion. “Healing through Compassion,” invites us to actively engage in kindness both towards ourselves and others. We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so can make an enormous difference. It’s an opportunity to transform our creative spaces into environments where everyone feels seen and supported. “Compassion is the practice of meeting suffering – whether our own or the suffering of others – with kindness.” - Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CM ..read more

Depression. It's a word we have all heard before, but what does it really mean? More importantly, how do we know if it's something we are dealing with, and if so, how severe is it? In this blog post, we're going to explore the topic of depression in a hopeful and positive light, offering guidance on recognizing the signs, seeking help, and embracing the possibility of recovery. Understanding Depression Let's start by defining what depression is. Depression is more than just feeling sad or down. It is a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that can interfere with daily ..read more

March 18 - 24, 2024 ”Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.” [1] This year’s theme is “Empowering Neurodiverse Voices - Building a Culture of Inclusion”. With this theme in mind, we at Calltime Mental Health want to introduce ways the film and entertainment sector can help to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, and how neurodivergent and neurotypical people can work together to increa ..read more

In the final episode of the season, host Gregg Taylor is joined by Dr. Allison Crawford, Psychiatrist at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Chief Medical Officer for the new national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Gregg and Dr. Crawford explore how the holiday season can be a time for family, community and joy, or a difficult season of stress, grief and challenging experiences. In episode six, learn how you can navigate the holiday season with self-awareness and new strategies for maintaining your wellbeing and perspective. When times get really tough emotionally for you or those ..read more

In Episode 5 of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast, host Gregg Taylor is joined by Dagan Nish, Safety Advisor at Actsafe. Gregg and Dagan explore mental health models and programs for improving mental health on sets and in the workplace. Learn how you can help support mental wellbeing and psychological safety on set. This episode focuses on ways people in the film and entertainment industry can support mental health on set, and discusses training that is available for those who want to build their knowledge and confidence. Accessing these programs will allow union and non-union members to fost ..read more

Did you miss it? On September 27th, 2023, Actsafe hosted a webinar featuring the Calltime Campaign and the recording is now available free for viewing. TItled , Showcasing Calltime Mental Health Training & Resources, the webinar provided an opportunity for Calltime to showcase the latest resources on the Calltime website. Join Calltime Committee President, Christina Kasperczyk, who discusses the roots of the campaign and the successes the Society has had so far. Mental Health expert, Gregg Taylor from FSEAP, then provides excellent mental health models and information, helpful to individua ..read more

With Marlee Poole, Policy and Innovation Manager at the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) Host Gregg Taylor is joined by Marlee Poole, Policy and Innovation Manager at the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS). Through her own personal story and programs available at VAHS, Marlee and Gregg discuss ways in which aboriginal mental health practice can help anyone who is struggling with mental health and addiction. The episode focuses on ways people in the film and entertainment industry can access help through aboriginal mental health practices. VAHS offers many programs to help thi ..read more

With Emily Hill from the Actors Fund of Canada In this episode, host Gregg Taylor is joined by Emily Hill, Case Manager at the AFC (Actors’ Fund of Canada). Bringing valuable experience from their work at the AFC and on set, Emily discusses the challenges of the stressors working in the film and entertainment industry, and the added strain of inconsistent and disrupted work. The episode focuses on strategies and tips on how people can access resources, and get help during the current labour disruption, and Gregg and Emily review the range of support that AFC and Calltime Mental Health offer to ..read more

Living in uncertain times can be incredibly challenging, especially for those of us in the motion picture sector currently facing work disruptions due strikes in the United States. As productions are delayed or put on hold here in Canada, we are grappling with uncertainties surrounding our livelihood and income. Labour disruptions in the US film industry can have far-reaching effects on workers across the border in Canada and the rest of the world. The uncertainty surrounding delayed productions and loss of income can be overwhelming. Many of us rely on steady work in the industry to support o ..read more

With Financial Empowerment Manager, Murray Baker In this episode, host Gregg Taylor is joined by Murray Baker, a Financial Empowerment Manager at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. Bringing over 25 years of experience, Murray Baker shares valuable insights into how to make financial decisions when times are tough, and to set yourself up for success when times are good. Focusing on financial literacy and mental well-being, the conversation offers practical tips for a healthier relationship with money, reducing stress, and promoting overall wellness. Join Gregg and Murray for this discussion ..read more