We would like to offer our condolences and thanks to the family of actor, Luke Westlake, who are fundraising for BAPAM in Luke’s memory. These donations make a very real difference to our service, helping us to provide clinical consultations to performers with health problems and to support them during this very challenging time in their careers.
“To all of our family & friends, friends & colleagues of Luke and the many anonymous donors, thank you so much for your generous donations, your kind words and your loving memories & tributes to Luke. Together we have raised almost £4000 which we know will go a long way in helping to promote the good work of this amazing charity & it’s very worthy cause. If your donations can help to improve the mental health & well-being of only one other artistic mind, then Luke’s legacy will have been fulfilled. Our love & thanks to you all xx
Luke had a passion for acting from a very young age and pursued this as his career path. He had early successes in his first year after leaving Arts Ed, appearing in Luther, Dark Heart, No Offence and Doctors. He had so much talent and so much more to give and it is devastating to us all that sadly he shortened his life. Those of you who knew Luke well will know he battled with his emotions and we wish to raise awareness of mental health issues within acting and the performing arts and to bring to the forefront of people’s minds how deeply troubled young minds can be. The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine are a specialist healthcare charity providing free medical advice to people working and studying in the industry and we are passionate in wishing to support this organisation in the hope that tragedies such as Luke’s can be avoided in the future.”
If you’re reading this and struggling in any way, please reach out and make a call to someone and don’t suffer alone and in silence. The Samaritans do good work listening in a crisis, NHS GPs are still available even if it is a telephone appointment, and you can always get emergency help at a hospital A&E department.
Equity’s mental health and well-being helpline is on 0800 917 6470. BAPAM clinics are open and we can support you with a free online or telephone consultation with a doctor or psychologist who understands the pressures faced by arts professionals. Many therapists specialise in working with performing arts clients and you can search the BAPAM Directory to find someone suitable. BAPAM Factsheets include guidance on financial and practical support that may be available, as well as further resources, and ArtsMinds is a great source of information.