#FREETHEMENOPAUSE
THIS IS THE MISSION, THE PLAN, THE PROPOSAL, THE IDEA…
CHANGE STARTS WITH CONVERSATION AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, COLLABORATION.
THE HUSTLE, THE HORMONES, THE LATE NIGHT SWEATS - LET’S JOIN TOGETHER AS INDIVIDUALS WHO WANT FREELANCERS, SELF EMPLOYED, ENTREPRENEURS AND THOSE OUTSIDE OF TRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE DATA, THE RESEARCH AND THE POLICY FOR FEMXLE HEALTH IN THE WORK PLACE. (EVEN IF THAT IS YOUR BEDROOM OR AN ARTISTS STUDIO IN THE CORNER OF A DOCK YARD)
“It's so deeply engrained in the culture of the creative industries & how freelancers / artists work that this needs to be part of a wider change & discussed within the industry - BY the leaders in the industry.”
With a view to reduce stigma, increase knowledge, educate myself and others AND, the biggy here; to actually create some change in the creative industry, this mission is ever evolving. Improving, adapting and responding to the information gathered, experiences shared and the hopes and hustles that exist.
There are many steps, many nights brainstorming, an entire head full of ideas spilling over in to others and a lot of ambition behind this project - and its starts here, with conversation. When we are addressing how having simple conversations can create change I believe they are absolutely necessary for longevity, connection, really outting us in a space to listen and understand the concerns and ultimately, have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing as individuals and an industry.
I think we can all agree that you have to start somewhere. And that somewhere is in talking. ⬇
THE MISSION PLAN…
Gather information and experiences of creative freelancers in the industry - have real conversations with real people.
Over time, disseminate this information - what are the main concerns, where is help needed, what would be of most benefit & what must be prioritised.
Speak to industry bodies, starting with film & visual media about any current data they may have or plans they are a part of relative to Menopause and non gendered healthcare for freelancers (Creative industries federation, BJP, AOP, A-N, DBA and the list continues.)
Facilitate a roundtable discussion to include as many voices as possible, ensuring inclusivity and diversity.
Form partnerships & alliances with the creators of the original Menopause Mandate (Melissa Robertson, Laura Biggs, Alice Smellie - HUGE hats off to you all!!) & other progressive professionals to educate myself, establish common ground and ignite valuable relationships.
Equip myself with relevant research & gov policy on menopause and, the UK health system.
Connect with leading menopause educators to learn best practices and guide our advocacy efforts.
Engage with the local government to push for policy changes - yes take it to the top!!
Speak openly about these issues, advocating for myself and others.
CREATE AND NURTURE A SPACE ONLINE FOR A CLEAR EXPLANATION OF THE MISSION AND THE STEPS BEING TAKEN.
CREATE A RESOURCES LIBRARY FOR BOTH FREELANCERS AND THOSE WORKING CLIENT OR BRAND SIDE, TO ENABLE MORE INCLUSION WHEN WORKING WITH FREELANCERS WITHIN CREATIVE PROJECTS.
CONNECT WITH LEADING MENOPAUSE EDUCATORS TO LEARN BEST PRACTICES AND GUIDE THE ADVOCACY EFFORTS.
DELIVER WORKSHOPS AND EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS DIRECTLY TO THOSE EMPLOYING FREELANCERS, SELF EMPLOYED, HUSTLERS & SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH - KEEP DOING IT AND REMAIN UP TO DATE WITH CURRENT RHETORIC, POLICY & CAMPAIGNS FOR CHANGE
USE CREATIVITY TO EXPLORE OUR EXPERIENCES - TOGETHER
PROGRESS SO FAR…
An introductory roundtable event
Candid conversation & guided discussion to talk Hustle and Hope - how do we feel as freelancers in the creative industry when it comes to our health?
a go fund me page
A chance to support the cause by donating towards the development of a dedicated website, well researched & put together resources and, a printed mini zine of findings - due in the second half of the year.
WHAT DO WE KNOW? WHAT HAS BEEN SAID?
Meetings have been transcribed, highlighters have been a good friend & the research from the interviews & events is currently being disseminated so that it can be reviewed, analysed and shared!
online discussion session & industry guest emma Alexander
A lively online conversation tackling key areas of concern, alongside a Q&A session with producer and creative mentor Emma Alexander from Motherbran.
design of the advocacy badge!
A digital badge full of colour and vibrancy which you can download and use on your website, call sheets, cast and crew info docs and anywhere else you wish to share the message!
CHANCE TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS A HEALTH POLICY - NEW!
Yes, your chance to contribute towards an exclusive Health Policy for Freelancers - if there isn’t one out there then let’s form our own!
* COMING SOON *
a creative health sandpit with london arts health
An in person gathering collecting stories of those freelancers working in the creative health sector, exploring the intersections between the two.
100% of participants saying more needs to be done
ALL of the participants interviewed or who have attended the online sessions have expressed an overwhelming desire and need, for this conversation to move forward. Yay!
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
Three articles on Linked in explaining the movement, the why, the how, various supporting data or info, and the importance of it all.