Blog
EAP Support for Freelancers and Gig Workers: What’s Missing (and How We Fix It)
If you’re a freelancer, gig worker, or independent creative, chances are you’ve had at least one of these thoughts:
“I wish I had someone to talk to about this burnout.”
“Do I even qualify for mental health support through this project?”
“I’m not an employee — does that mean I just have to deal with it on my own?”
You’re not imagining it. Traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) weren’t built for you.
They were designed for 9–5 employees in permanent roles, not project-based artists, independent producers, designers, or facilitators juggling five contracts at once.
But that’s changing — and at Hey Mate, we’re leading that shift.
The Top 5 Things Most EAPs Don’t Understand About Creatives
More Than a Helpline: Building a Collaborative Mental Health Model for the Arts
As mental health and wellbeing become central to sustainable work in the arts, more organisations are beginning to ask: Are we doing enough to support our people?
In response, many teams are turning to wellbeing resources—like the Support Act Helpline or Arts Wellbeing Collective (AWC) toolkits—to provide that support. These initiatives are incredibly valuable, but they are not designed to replace a dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or comprehensive wellbeing partner.
Instead, the most effective approach is collaborative—one that weaves together services like Hey Mate, Support Act, and legacy AWC tools into a full-circle strategy that actually meets the needs of today’s creative workforce.
Hey Mate vs Other EAP Providers
Australia has no shortage of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Many are big, clinical, and built for the corporate world. Which is fine — if you’re a bank or a government agency.
But if you’re a music festival, theatre company, social enterprise, or creative freelancer? That’s where Hey Mate comes in.
Hey Mate x Museum of Brisbane: Leading the Way in Wellbeing for Cultural Workers
We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Museum of Brisbane, a collaboration that puts mental health and wellbeing at the heart of the cultural sector. 🎨🏛️
This partnership, which began earlier this year, is a powerful step in ensuring that museum and gallery professionals have access to the support they need to navigate the unique challenges of their industry. It’s no secret that the arts sector is full of passionate, dedicated individuals—but passion alone isn’t enough to sustain a healthy career. Workplace wellbeing is essential.