At the Glass Society we hope that all our members are doing ok and are able to navigate living and working during the pandemic and the various lockdowns. We have put together this list of supports to help you if you are struggling.
Remember it is ok to not be ok
Be compassionate with yourself. Don’t feel guilty for doing what you need to do to survive. Ask for help. And please mind yourself.
The Glass Society team
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COVID 19: Resources for the Arts and Health Sector
For more resources: http://www.artsandhealth.ie/2020/03/26/covid-19-resources-for-the-arts-and-health-sector/
Mental Health Services
Minding Creative Minds
Minding Creative Minds with support from the Department of Culture, Arts, Media, Tourism, Sport and the Gaeltacht and other partners is an organisation established to offer a free 24/7 wellbeing & support programme for the Irish Creative Sector which offers:
- 24/7 Dedicated Phone Line (Phone 1800 814 244) (Calling from NI /UK – 0800 0903677) (International 00353 15180277
- Counselling Service (Short term intervention / Up to 6 Sessions)
- Telephone Counselling
- Secure Video Counselling
- Extensive Web Portal & App enabling live chat function with a counsellor
In addition to the mental health support system offered, Minding Creative Minds also offers:
- Advice on practical, day-to-day issues that cause anxiety and stress
- Legal Assistance for a range of issues
- Financial Assistance & Consumer Advice
- Career Guidance & Life Coaching
- Support for Non-Irish Nationals & their families
- Mediation for conflict resolution
Gov.ie: Getting through COVID-19 Together
The Department of Health and the HSE, in collaboration with key cross-Government and cross-sectoral partners, have developed a mental wellbeing campaign aimed at offering support and resources to help deal with the stress, anxiety and isolation currently experienced by many people. This resource page includes online and telephone services as well as tips and advice from cross-Government and Healthy Ireland partners on topics such as physical activity, parenting, coping with daily routines, supporting the ‘cocooned’ and getting involved in community solidarity efforts.
SpunOut.ie
SpunOut has collated a list of mental health supports available during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also initiated a Crisis Text Line, a 24/7messaging support service with trained volunteers available to listen to people going through a tough time. This service provides in-the-moment anonymous support and problem solving when you need it most. Text YMH to 086 1800 280 to begin right now. (Standard SMS rates may apply)
SUPPORTS FOR ARTISTS & ARTS ORGANISATIONS
The Arts Council
The Arts Council is operating fully throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Please check the Arts Council’s dedicated COVID-19 page for information on sectoral support and new funding initiatives.
Illness Benefit
When a worker is told to self-isolate by a doctor or the HSE or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by a doctor, they can apply for an enhanced Illness Benefit payment of €350 per week. It will be paid for a maximum of 2 weeks where a person is self-isolating and for a maximum of 10 weeks if a person has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Freelance practitioners can avail of this benefit (no minimum PRSI contributions are required).
Create
Create, the national development agency for the collaborative arts, is available for advisory sessions via phone and email. In response to Covid-19, changes have been made to the Arts Council’s Artist in the Community Scheme which is managed by Create. A number of online initiatives and CPD opportunities have been developed.
Visual Artists Ireland
Every Wednesday visual artists can book an online Help Desk session with VAI. These Help Desks are free of charge for members and non-members for the duration of the current crisis. Help Desks can be on any topic related to your practice or about general advice on supports available to you at this time.