Welcome to Imagine Cares

“Sometimes we need someone to simply be there. Not to fix anything, or to do anything in particular, but just to let us know that we are cared for and supported”

Imagine Cares is a well-being resource for those who are working for Imagine Theatre at head office, during the year and over the pantomime and Christmas seasons. The resource was originally introduced in 2021. It’s here to support you, because it’s OK not to be OK.

For those working in theatres on one of our productions over Christmas 2023, we are still working on this year’s updates to our programme, but you will see things such as our supporting posters around the notice boards back stage. We just wanted you to know that you matter, you are important to us and Imagine Theatre really does care about you and your wellbeing. Your Company Manager, and the team at Imagine Head Office are here to support you during your time with us.

4 sections

The Imagine Cares resource is ever developing, and is now split into 4 sections, which we are continually working on, growing and developing.

  1. Well being - This is for both Adults and our junior ensemble members. The resource, which over panto and Christmas season, includes signposts, back stage posters, welcome videos and wider support is available to you during your time working with us. It is an ongoing support resource for those who work for us permanently.

  2. Sustainability - Imagine Theatre are working closely with the UK Theatre Green Book to support and develop our sustainability programme. More information will follow on this shortly, but for those working for us this year, in some venues you may see changes such as us experimenting with using rechargable batteries for your microphones this year.

  3. Carbon Neutral - Imagine Theatre were proud to have been awarded our Carbon Neutral status in June 2022. Currently we achieve this by offsetting, but we are currently setting long term targets and goals to achieve a fully carbon neutral status where offsetting is no longer required. More information will follow on this shortly. For example, we recently moved to HVO fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil which has almost zero emissions) for all of the articulated lorries we use during the year, to help support the work we are doing on our journey towards true ‘Nett Zero’ carbon status.

  4. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging - Imagine Theatre are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to a work environment which embraces and supports diversity and inclusion across all departments.

Well being - Welcome video

For those adults working with us on our 2023/24 Pantomime and Christmas season, you will be sent our 2023 season welcome video nearer the time, in your ‘first day’ email and it will be played on your first day of rehearsals during your meet and greet. If you have not seen it by the time you leave home to start your contract with us, please contact your company manager. It should answer many of the questions you have regarding your time working with us.

From 2022 onwards there is also a welcome video for all our young performers in our juvenile ensembles. This will be sent to our junior ensemble members before they start rehearsals.

wellBeing - BAckstage protocols and cleaning regimes

Your company manager will have taken you through the following, which is also featured in the welcome video you will have seen on your first day. This is part of our ‘Imagine Cares’ programme, considering the well being and welfare of everyone working with us. Please remember, everyone will have different levels of ‘comfort’.

For 2023 we are yet to lock in our plans, but for 2022:

  • We operated a closed rehearsal room

  • We operated a restricted back stage space

  • We used enhanced cleaning protocols and procedures

Well Being - MENTAL HEALTH Support and Help

If you find yourself in need of immediate support, the NHS are on hand - https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/urgent-support/

You can take the NHS Every Mind Matters ‘Your Mind Plan’ Quiz - https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/your-mind-plan-quiz/

There’s also an NHS Every Mind Matters Hub - https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

Backup Tech, the UK’s registered technical entertainment charity has a 24 hour helpline - 0800 646 7068 or text SHOUT to 85258 - www.backuptech.co.uk

Working Minds focuses on mental health in the workplace. You can find more at www.workright.campaign.gov.uk

And sometimes you just need to talk. We’re here. Below are some places you can also turn to for additional support.