Our Manifesto

EventWell is calling for an ‘Event Industry’ where the mental health of ALL its creative and event professionals is supported and protected.

An event industry where wellbeing is at the heart of every event, every trip, every experience and every business, in line with our vision “To make tangible change to the Event Industry’s relationship with wellbeing”.

We are calling for all creative and event businesses and organisations to talk openly about mental health in the workplace, and at events and experiences. To create safe environments where team members won’t be afraid to ask for support when needed, and will thrive in both work and life.

The sustainability of the creative and event industries depends on improving how we approach mental health, as annually mental ill health affects ‘one in six‘ people in general work, but ‘one in three‘ of our industry professionals.

EventWell is championing creative and event leaders to strive for an improved understanding and commitment to workplace wellbeing as outlined below in our manifesto, developed with Time to Change.

IN SIGNING THE EVENTWELL MANIFESTO WE RECOGNISE THAT:

#1 – EVERYONE HAS MENTAL HEALTH

Everyone has mental health! – CEOs, leadership teams, team members. Mental ill health does not discriminate, therefore every organisation needs to stand up, tackle stigma, end discrimination, enforce positive culture, and prioritise mental health in the workplace, at events and experiences.

#2 – BUILD SAFER, DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES

We need to build safer, diverse and inclusive workplaces, events and experiences, that lead to happier and healthier working environments, where people feel free to bring their whole-selves to work.

#3 – TREAT MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH EQUALLY

We need to treat mental and physical health equally in the workplace, at events and experiences, and strengthen how mental health is supported – every employee has a right to mental health first aid just as they do physical first aid.

#4 – MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF CUSTOMERS

We need to progress to integrating the mental health and wellbeing of our visitors, attendees and stakeholders throughout all components of an event or experience, putting this at the heart of service, design and delivery for the audiences and customers we serve.

#5 – DEVELOP A WHOLE ORGANISATION APPROACH

Businesses and employers in events and the creative industries need to turn mental health awareness into positive action, and develop a ‘whole organisation’ approach to workplace mental health and wellbeing, by implementing the ‘six mental health standards’ set out in the Stevenson/Farmer ‘Thriving at Work Review 2017‘ and developed and updated for the Mental Health at Work Commitment by Mind in 2019.

Prioritise mental health in the workplace by developing and delivering a systematic programme of activity
Proactively ensure work design and organisational culture drive positive mental health outcomes
Promote an open culture around mental health
Increase organisational confidence and capability
Provide mental health tools and support
Increase transparency and accountability through internal and external reporting