Session Overview

The creative sectors frequently demand long hours, constant availability, and high resilience under intense pressure. This session focuses on how we can build careers that remain creatively fulfilling whilst actively protecting our wellbeing.  The discussion centres on practical wellbeing strategies, skills development and career progression, navigating industry challenges, and fostering environments where craftspeople and designers can truly thrive both at work and in their personal lives.

Skills Development and Practical Wellbeing

• A major focus of the discussion will include skills development. Nadia, Design Skills Manager within the National Theatre Skills Centre, shares her experience delivering The Linbury Prize for Stage Design and shaping career paths for scenic art, prop making, and costume. Nadia as also instrumental role in championing the National Theatre Wellbeing Garden, demonstrating how sustainable, natural spaces can directly support the mental health and resilience of creative teams.
• Helen Johnson, founder and Managing Director of Talking Point,  will discuss helping new talent progress—especially in Art, Set Decorating and Props—through training and guidance across the sector. Helen will also explore actionable solutions, such as job sharing and flexible working, to help establish a healthier work-life balance across the sector.
  
• The session is moderated by Kathy Heaser, Founder of FilmBase. Through FilmBase, she champions practical skills, mentorship, and career support for creatives at every stage, making her a passionate advocate for sustainable careers in the screen industries.
• This sessions is sponsored by Solas Mind, a specialist wellbeing service offering expert-led mental health support and 24/7 confidential online wellbeing care, trusted across high-pressure creative industries.

“At Solas, we continue to expand our wellbeing support across the creative sphere, so the chance to engage with such an inspiring community — one that spans film, TV, theatre, live events, and immersive experiences — was not to be missed. What’s exciting about Set & Scene is that it reflects the increasingly fluid movement of people and skills across industries, and it’s exactly within these cross-sector spaces that community is built. Community is so important, and making time to connect is what sustains us. We’re proud to be part of that.” Sarah McCaffrey, Founder, www.solasmind.com