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.
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.
❤️🩹 How to Choose the Right EAP Provider for Your Organisation
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.
You’re Burnt Out. Now What?
Burnout in the creative industries is real—long hours, tight deadlines, and the pressure to always be “on” can leave you feeling exhausted, uninspired, and emotionally drained. But what happens when rest isn’t enough, and the passion you once had feels out of reach?
In this post, we’ll explore how to recognise burnout, break the cycle of overwork, and rebuild with restorative practices. You’ll also find practical strategies for recovery, plus resources from Hey Mate, Support Act, Arts Wellbeing Collective, and Mind Australia to help you navigate burnout and protect your long-term wellbeing.
Burnout isn’t failure—it’s a signal that something needs to change. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, now is the time to step back, reset, and find a way forward that sustains both your creativity and your mental health.