Policies

This document applies to both The Impulse Company (UK) and The Impulse Company Australia. Any references to "The Impulse Company" refer to both The Impulse Company and The Impulse Company Australia unless otherwise specified.

At The Impulse Company, we prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of our participants. Our modality often involves accessing deep emotional truths, which can be triggering for some and may even bring up past trauma. This document outlines our guidelines for handling such situations and provides resources for support.

Providing Support to Others

• Due to the nature of our modality, it's possible that discussions or exercises may trigger strong emotional reactions in some participants.
• If you notice that someone is affected by such triggers, it is essential to respect their space and allow them the time they require to process their emotions. If the facilitator is unaware, please alert them to the situation.

Seeking Support for Yourself

• If you personally experience emotional triggers or trauma during our programs, we encourage you to inform your facilitator immediately. We are committed to providing support to help you navigate these challenges.
• While The Impulse Company does not officially endorse any specific support resources, we can offer options and guidance. We encourage you to conduct your own research and choose the support that works best for you.

Wellbeing Check-In

• In light of the potential emotional demands of our programs, we advise all participants to perform a wellbeing check-in with themselves before enrolling. Ensure that your physical and mental health is at a level that you can maintain and sustain throughout the duration of the program.
• Prioritizing your mental and emotional wellbeing is crucial for your success and safety.

The Craft and Your Health

Acting is a craft that requires the authentic, truthful use of one's emotions, memories, and other personal aspects. The Impulse Company strives to create a safe environment for all students to learn and practice the craft without fear of emotional manipulation or blackmail.

We uphold professional standards, ensuring confidentiality and respect for the personal nature of information that may be shared in a public setting.

Given the personal nature of our work, we encourage all students to be in good mental and emotional health before enrolling and to take necessary steps for self-care while at the studio.

In cases where issues of physical or emotional safety arise, faculty may express their concern and suggest a more appropriate path for the student.

Staying in Touch

• If you need to contact us, please reach out to Erica Chestnut via email at erica@impulsecompany.org or text/call on +61 (0) 401 054 194 (for both UK and Australia). Please bear in mind Erica is based in Melbourne, Australia, so time delays may occur.
• For inquiries related to course content or nature, we encourage you to raise them during class if possible or make arrangements to speak with Scott Williams.
• It is essential to keep Erica updated with any changes in your contact details to ensure effective communication.

Returning to Class After Time Out

If you are returning to class after taking some mental health time out, we request that you have approval from your professional health practitioner before heading back into the room.

Further Support

UK

• Spotlight: Supporting Your Mental Health
• Arts Minds: Arts Minds
• Safety Curtain: Safety Curtain
• Equity UK: Equity UK Support

Australia

• Support Act Wellbeing Hotline: 1800 959 900 Support Act
• Support Act First Nations Support Line: 1800 959 500
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 Lifeline
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Suicide Callback
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 463 Beyond Blue Support
• eHeadspace (12-25 years old): eHeadspace
• SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 SANE Support
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Kids Helpline
• Blue Knot Foundation: 1300 657 380 Blue Knot
• 13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support): 13 92 76 13YARN
• LGBTIQ Switchboard: 1800 184 527 Switchboard
• MEAA Wellness Resources: MEAA Wellness

In an emergency, call 000 for Police, Ambulance, or Fire Services or present to the emergency department of your local hospital.

For financial hardship assistance:

• Actors Benevolent Fund