Ahead of the proposed launch of a mental well-being service for the creative sector in 2020, a survey is currently seeking feedback on the planned services. 

The First Fornight festival, in association with the Irish Music Rights organisation (IMRO) and the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA), is planning to to run the service as a pilot programme for an initial two years. 

The proposed service will include a dedicated 24/7 phone line, a counselling service, psychology sessions, career guidance, life coaching, mediation information, and support for non-Irish nationals and their families.

The survey includes questions regarding the financial issues that create barriers to accessing mental healthcare, and asks if respondents think a 24/7 mental health service for the creative community is needed.

The deadline for completing the survey is Monday 10 June.

First Fortnight is a multi-disciplinary festival held annually in Dublin that deals directly with the issue of mental health through the arts, through hosting talks, workshops, performances and other events. It now also runs a creative arts therapy centre. 

IMRO has hosted several events around the issue of mental well-being and music. Last month, it collaborated with the music organisation Self Made for an evening of panel discussions, workshops and performances, featuring artists such as Paddy Hanna and Caoimhe Barry of Wyvern Lingo.  

The survey contains 9 questions and can be filled in here.

For more on First Fortnight, visit www.firstfortnight.ie.