Lucy Adams
my story
I loved working in TV but at times found it stressful. I don’t think I’m alone. Challenging schedules, decreasing budgets, tight deadlines, long hours, weekend working, travel and pushing to do my very best in every role took its toll. Any kind of contract work is intense by nature and if you aren’t up to it, someone else will be. My stress manifested itself in disrupted and poor sleep patterns; a known trigger for poor mental health.
In hindsight I would have hugely benefited from understanding my own mental health and being able to put effective coping strategies in place earlier to help me when under pressure.
If only I had known how…
After 20 years, I made the decision to leave TV and pursue a career in mental health.
I have spent five years with West Kent Mind, most recently as Community Development Director, leading a team of eight staff. In that role I have successfully developed and delivered a portfolio of innovative and sustainable training packages for both schools and businesses.
As a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, I’ve become a highly skilled and versatile mental health trainer and am hugely passionate about creating culture change within organisations around mental health with a focus on enabling people to get the help they need earlier.
Working for Mind and supporting people on a daily basis who are experiencing mental illness, and often those in crisis, has increased my empathy and knowledge. Skills which I’m now able to bring to the training courses I deliver.
testimonial
"I had the pleasure of working with Lucy throughout her TV career. She was an absolutely amazing production manager working on some really complex, pressurised and high profile events and TV programmes for all the major channels, but what set Lucy apart from the rest was her innate ability to work with people, understand them and get the best out of them. Not only did she bring expert knowledge but also an amazing energy and inclusive spirit.
I was so in awe of Lucy when she made the huge decision to leave the TV industry for a career in mental health whilst still trying to lure her back on regular occasions!
The idea to bring these two areas of expertise together is very exciting, at a time when mental health issues are so prevalent, for someone to come back into the media industry with such an in-depth knowledge of the pressures is timely and significant. I can't think of anyone better placed to advise on how to look after our own wellbeing and the mental health of our wider teams. I also know this will be delivered in a practical, down-to-earth, enjoyable and totally accessible way".
Lisa McCormack
Director of Production
Entertainment & Music
BBC Studios
TESTIMONIAL
Lucy understands the pressure points of working in TV so the training is very relatable. She is so knowledgeable about mental health and has all the skills to equip you with the right tools to use in the workplace. She gave me the confidence to tackle the most sensitive issues that may arise.
I feel this course should be a total must for staff in any industry but especially in the creative world where we work with new people on a regular basis and under a lot of pressure. The skills Lucy teaches you will also help you personally and in your home life.
Most valuable course out there. It could really have an impact
Karen Hudson
Production Executive
Monkey Kingdom