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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
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.