New York launches mental health initiative for the nightlife community

Thanks to a new initiative from the Office of Nightlife in New York City, restaurant workers, performers or hospitality business operators can receive mental health support as the COVID-19 pandemic takes its toll. wreaking havoc not only on the economy, but also on the physical and mental health of workers. state.

Nightlife community workers can access weekly online support groups to address trauma and stress in their industry for free, thanks to the partnership between the Office of Nightlife, the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health and Backline Care. The new wellness plan, titled Elevate: Nightlife Mental Health Initiative, will give workers the ability to work one-on-one with a case manager to create a personalized mental health plan, and it will give them access to resources and training. additional.

“The Office of Nightlife is extremely pleased to launch Elevate: Nightlife Mental Health Initiative with our partners in the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health and Backline Care,” said Ariel Palitz, Senior Executive Director of the Office of Nightlife. “This is a critically important resource as we are on the road to recovery. While there has always been a great need for mental health support for the nightlife community, it has only grown now throughout this most difficult year. “

The free weekly online support groups will take place Mondays at 4 p.m. ET, led by a licensed therapist and Backline, a national non-profit organization that provides mental health and wellness resources to the music and music industries. nightlife. Nightlife workers who are interested can register here. A suicide awareness webinar will also be held on September 29 with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“As New Yorkers in the nightlife industry help our city recover, many face the stress, anxiety, loss and instability brought on by COVID-19,” said Susan Herman, director of the mayor’s office of community mental health, in a statement. . “This is why we are proud to partner with the Office of Nightlife and Backline Care to provide mental health support to the New York nightlife community through online support groups. “

The New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment is also launching Off-Broadway at Boros Fest, an Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway theatrical series from September 29 to October 3 in all five boroughs. In the wake of the reopening of Broadway, the performances will highlight the theater community, which was hit hard when the pandemic closed, and provide entertainment for New Yorkers.