Sign in

The AFC

@afchelps.bsky.social
100 followers 97 following 187 posts

Canadian #charity with a mission to help arts & entertainment professionals maintain their health, dignity & ability to work.

PostsRepliesMedia
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 7h
The Somatic Tune-In Series with MD Bloch-Hansen is back! This season, we’ll focus on developing a personal toolkit of somatic resources to draw on through the ups and downs of our lives, creative practices, & careers. These resources can help us meet challenges, find relief, & navigate uncertainty.
Promotional graphic for a Mental Wellness Workshop. The graphic features the title “Somatic Tune-In Series with MD Bloch-Hansen,” identified as a somatic therapist, movement and performance artist. Session 1 is titled “Finding Foundations of Support – Cultivating Ease and Safety.” The workshop takes place on October 29, 2026, from 1:00–2:30 PM ET / 10:00–11:30 AM PT on Zoom. Decorative illustrations include a head with a highlighted brain, a person seated in a meditation pose surrounded by circles, and a calendar icon. Background is light peach with black text.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We honour those who died in the residential school system, Survivors, their families, and communities. We also reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
Title slide for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An orange background features a film reel illustration at the top and a winding filmstrip border along the bottom. Centered text reads: “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Explore a selection of films and documentaries to support reconciliation: listening, learning, and committing to do better.”Graphic for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation featuring recommended films and documentaries. The slide lists Holy Angels (13 minutes, available on NFB), We Were Children (82 minutes, available on NFB), and Second Stories: It Had to Be Done (22 minutes, available on NFB), alongside promotional images from each title. At the bottom, text reads: “These stories share lived experiences of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and other institutions.” The design uses an orange background with black and white text.Graphic for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation featuring recommended films. The slide lists Indian Horse (100 minutes, available on CBC Gem), Night Raiders (101 minutes, available on CBC Gem), and The Secret Path (60 minutes, available on YouTube), alongside promotional images from each title. At the bottom, text reads: “Storytelling can foster empathy, spark conversations, help raise awareness, advance reconciliation, and promote civic action.” The design uses an orange background with black and white text.Final slide in a carousel for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An orange background features large text reading, “Looking for a place to start?” Below, text encourages viewers to explore the featured films through the links in the caption. Additional text reads, “Save this post for later or share it with someone in your community.” A decorative illustrated filmstrip runs along the bottom of the slide. The design uses black and white text on an orange background.
121
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Some business expenses are tricky to understand and even trickier to track. Vehicle use, home office expenses, equipment depreciation... when you’re self-employed, keeping track of it all can get confusing. Chris James has some practical tips to help
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Meet Chris James (he/him) is a community educator, actor (ACTRA & Equity), and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of business management experience. He leads financial literacy workshops for students, artists, and small business owners, helping make financial concepts more accessible.
Professional headshot of workshop presenter Chris James. Text reads: “Financial Literacy for the Self-Employed.”Presenter bio for Chris James, community educator, actor, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of business management experience. He teaches financial literacy and supports self-employed individuals in building financial confidence.Event graphic promoting “Financial Literacy for the Self-Employed with Chris James.” October 8, 2026, 1 to 3 p.m. ET, on Zoom.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Take a moment for yourself. Take a slow breath. Let the sound of the crystal singing bowls wash over you. Breathe IN. Feel the sound. Breathe OUT. Let go of what you're carrying, just for this moment. This practice offers a glimpse into our upcoming workshop.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
You can call this a full house of generosity 🎉 Thank you to @citticts for raising $4,000 for The AFC at this year's Swag Bingo Night during the Rendez-vous Conference. We are so grateful to everyone who bought a card, joined the fun, and helped support our work.
Thank-you graphic featuring the CITT/ICTS logo, bingo card, stage light, and theatre technician icons.Attendees gather for CITT/ICTS Swag Bingo Night at Rendez-vous in support of The AFC.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
On October 1, International Day of Older Persons, Dr. Samir Sinha will lead a conversation on The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives. This free event explores aging, health, technology, AI, and the evolving realities facing senior artists today.
Light green promotional graphic featuring a yellow megaphone illustration at the top. Text reads: “From our community. The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives. October 1, 2026. 12 p m | Zoom | FREE Link in bio.” The Canadian Artists Network (CAN) logo appears at the top with the tagline “Because Creativity Lives Forever.” The graphic promotes a free online event for the arts community.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Meet your workshop facilitator Michaela Bekenn (she/they). Michaela is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Certified Music Therapist, and sound therapy practitioner. Photo credit: Rafi Scully
Photo of workshop presenter Michaela Bekenn seated outdoors holding an acoustic guitar, surrounded by flowering trees.Presenter bio for Michaela Bekenn, a music therapist and psychotherapist, highlighting a trauma-informed, person-centred approach to wellness through music and mindfulness.Graphic promoting a Mental Wellness Workshop, “Resonating Wellness: Exploring Music, Sound, and Well-being” with Michaela Bekenn, October 1, 2026, on Zoom, with music-themed illustrations.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The laughter from The Merry Wives of Windsor, the ambition of Macbeth, the daring spirit of Goblin: Oedipus, and the resilience of Antigone all converged this season at Bard on the Beach in an incredible show of commitment to community. 🎭
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Taxes, receipts, expenses, savings. If you're self-employed, it can feel like a full-time job just managing your money. 💸 Join us for Financial Literacy for the Self-Employed, a free virtual workshop led by Chris James, an actor, entrepreneur, and community educator with 20+ yrs of experience.
112
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
It's back-to-school season! Time to learn new, vital skills. 📚 This fall, build your confidence in supporting someone experiencing a mental health decline or crisis with Mental Health First Aid Essentials training from The AFC.
Promotional graphic for Mental Health First Aid training on a peach background. Text at the top reads: "Back to School for Mental Health First Aid" and "Sign up for one of our upcoming courses on." An illustration on the left shows a person holding a first aid kit with medical cross symbols and a "Register" button being clicked below.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
For World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s normalize talking about suicide - not just today or this month, but all year long. Let’s talk about suicide the same way we talk about physical health. Learning the warning signs and how to start a conversation helps us prepare to support someone in crisis.
132
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Have you ever found yourself carrying the stress of a demanding and busy creative career? Have you wished for more ways to reset and reconnect with yourself? Join us to explore how music supports well-being and learn simple tools for mindfulness, relaxation, and deep listening.
Mental wellness workshop poster with a soft pink background. Features illustrations of a head with sound waves, headphones, music notes, and people moving to music. Text reads: “Resonating Wellness: Exploring Music, Sound, and Well-being” with Michaela Bekenn. October 1, 2026, on Zoom, 1:00 to 2:30 PM ET / 10-11:30 AM PT.
112
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Together, we made it happen again!🏌️ The 30th Anniversary Big Swing Golf Tournament raised an impressive $107,580! Every dollar helps ensure Canadian entertainment professionals can access support when they need it most. Learn more: buff.ly/3JFn41X
000
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Did you know your union may help cover the cost of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training? If you're a member of IATSE, Teamsters Local 155, or NABET 700-M UNIFOR, you may be eligible for reimbursement through your union.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Happy International Self-Care Day! 🌿Taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's just about putting your phone down or getting outside. What is one thing on your self-care list you’ll do for yourself today? Let us know in the comments below👇
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Creative work can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be stressful.💜 Join us at SummerWorks for a free workshop exploring stress, resilience, mindfulness, and creative wellbeing. Aug 13 | TPM Backspace Registration is now live. Limited spots available. 🎟 Register here: buff.ly/cZ7WqTm
"Under Pressure: Navigating Stress in the Creative World" community workshop poster showing pink fuzzy characters expressing anxiety and coping (curled up, crying, confused, meditating with headphones) against pastel background, with yellow panels listing Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace , 13 Aug
000
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Support starts with knowing how. When someone is struggling, knowing how to help can make all the difference. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training equips you with practical skills to recognize the signs of someone experiencing a mental health challenge and respond until help is available.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
A huge thank you to everyone at stratfest.bsky.social who helped spread the word about the payroll donations program during the opening week! ❤️ We're so thrilled that so many workers signed up to support The AFC through the QR codes on call sheets and campaign posters displayed on callboards.
stratfest.bsky.social
Stratford Festival (@stratfest.bsky.social)
North America’s leading repertory theatre company 🎭 Classics, new plays, musicals & Shakespeare 🎟️ 2026 season now booking! 💻 Stream via STRATFEST@HOME https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Meet Alexandra Rodriguez! She will lead our upcoming financial wellness workshop! An accredited credit counsellor and Education Lead at Credit Canada, Alexandra is deeply passionate about helping others achieve financial well-being.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
May is National Caregiver Awareness Month, so we’re bringing #followfriday back to spotlight an incredible organization making meaningful change in our sector. 🔦
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
How do you build financial stability when your income isn’t predictable? Between contracts, are you surviving, or strategically preparing for what comes next? 💡 Join us for a free financial wellness workshop with Credit Canada. 🤝
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Meet Your Facilitator 🌿 MD Bloch-Hansen is back for the Somatic Tune-In: Blooming into Aliveness & Reconnection!
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
May: Blooming into Aliveness & Reconnection 🌿 Feeling the shift into spring? Slow down and reconnect through a guided somatic tune-in with MD Bloch-Hansen. Together, we’ll explore movement, breath, and creative practices to help you expand into this season of growth, without losing your grounding.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Thread 1 - Have you ever experienced tension in a collaboration and wished you better understood what was driving it? Join us for Understanding Conflict: An Introduction, a workshop by Ground Floor for people working collaboratively in the performing arts and entertainment.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
We’ve teamed up with the Artists’ Health Centre on Creative Work in the Era of AI: Protecting Well-being and Identity, an interactive workshop designed to support artists and creative workers as they navigate industry change.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Mental health challenges happen more often than we think, and knowing how to respond during a mental health emergency can be just as vital as CPR. Our Mental Health First Aid Essentials course equips you with practical, real-world skills to recognize, respond, and support, all in just one day.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
📊 Meet the facilitator for our next workshop! Kristina Lemieux (she/her) will lead Financial Statements Demystified on April 28. Kristina has 20+ years of experience in arts, nonprofits, start‑ups, and renewable energy, helping organizations turn financial information into insight and confidence.
110
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
It’s Canadian Film Day - a nationwide celebration of Canadian cinema! Stories that bring us together are lighting up screens across the country. Which Canadian film are you going to watch today? Post in the comments! #CanFilmDay #LetsDreamTogether
000
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Workshop Alert! Creative Work in the Era of AI: Protecting Well-Being & Identity AI is impacting creative work and how many of us feel about our futures. Curious? Concerned? Overwhelmed? You’re not alone.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Big news! The DSO launched the Industry Resource Hub, a free searchable platform packed with accessibility tools for Canada’s screen industry. Find venues with accessibility features, service providers, and more! Start here: dso-orphe.ca/hub #IndustryResourceHub #Accessibility
dso-orphe.ca
Disability Screen Office Industry Resource Hub
The Hub is a free platform to help professionals and emerging creatives in Canada’s screen sector find the tools, services, and spaces they need.
111
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
If you’ve ever nodded along in a board meeting while wondering what you’re actually looking at, this workshop is for you. Led by Kristina Lemieux, in partnership with Generator. Financial Statements Demystified April 28, 1–3 pm ET | Free on Zoom 🔗 buff.ly/Lada9cw
010
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
We love a practical workshop! ✨ Join musician & creative practitioner Daevyd Pepper on April 7 for DIY marketing tips for indie artists & producers. Connect with your audience, promote your show authentically, and leave with a clear next step. 💻 Free on Zoom!
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Day of Visibility 🏳️‍⚧️ Visibility matters — because trans people deserve to be seen, heard, and supported for who they are. #TransDayOfVisibility #TDOV #TheAFC #YouBelongHere #TransArtistsMatter
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
“That theatre is ever the great antidote against all that would seek to rob us of our very being is not a romantic notion, but rather a truth verified by history.” — From the address by the 2026 Canadian Ambassador for World Theatre Day, actor, playwright, poet, and teacher Walter Borden, CM
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Feeling the pressure in your creative work? You’re not alone. Join The AFC’s Hayley Schmalz for a 1-hour webinar designed for arts & entertainment professionals navigating high-stakes environments.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Got a show coming up and need help filling seats? Join us for Come to My Show, a DIY marketing workshop for indie artists and producers. Learn simple tools, creative promo ideas, and steps to reach your audience. April 7, 2026, 1–2 pm ET on Zoom. Register: buff.ly/I3cPcSz
001
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Our friends at Actsafe Safety Association have launched a new suite of Psychological Health & Safety resources for people working in BC’s performing arts and entertainment industry. Thread 👇
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
🌺 International Women’s Day 🌺 is a time to celebrate progress, but it’s also a reminder that the work isn’t done. Women and gender-diverse people in Canada continue to face pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership and power, economic insecurity, and disproportionate risks to health and safety.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
The AFC Roundup is here! Tax workshop. Cabaret fundraiser. Mental health first aid training. Estate Planning workshop. Smarter scrolling for better wellbeing. Here’s what you don’t want to miss 👇
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
When someone is struggling, knowing how to respond can make a real difference. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Essentials gives you the tools and confidence to step in with care — on set, backstage, in the office, or at home.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
💖 This Valentine’s Day and every day we choose self-love. 🌟 Welcome to the self-love club! 💫 We’re here for everyone in Canada’s performing arts and entertainment industry as you navigate your wellness journey and keep doing the work you love.
110
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Mental health challenges can show up anywhere in our industry — on set, in rehearsal, or behind the scenes. That’s why Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is so important. 💛
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Freelancers, artists, and creatives: tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Join Tax Bootcamp for Creatives with Sunny Widerman 📅 Feb 12, 2026 | 🕐 1–3 pm ET | 💻 Zoom (recording provided)
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Ready to level up your get-out-of-debt game? 💪 Learn how credit really works, spot the difference between good vs. bad debt, uncover the true cost of minimum payments, and avoid high-cost traps like payday loans.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Do intense emotions ever feel overwhelming or out of control? You're not alone, and there are skills that can help. Join us for Mindfulness and Managing Triggers, an interactive mental wellness workshop/practice with registered social worker and mental health clinician Beste Kalender.
100
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Every month or so, we share The AFC Roundup ✨ It’s your go-to update for upcoming workshops, info about our programs and services, and news fromthe entertainment industry community. Take a look and sign up to get The AFC Roundup delivered straight to your inbox. 👉 buff.ly/FOvWiAn
111
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Another year, another financial wellness workshop! Struggling to manage debt with an unpredictable income? You're not alone, and there's no shame in seeking support. Join us for The Journey Out of Debt, a free beginner-friendly workshop from CPA Canada's Financial Literacy Program.
110
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
We're back! Our operations have resumed 🔔 We are excited for another year of supporting workers in Canada's performing arts and entertainment community! We hope you had a lovely holiday break. Cheers to getting er' done in 2026!
021
The AFC @afchelps.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
That's a wrap on 2025. Check out how we showed up for each other. 💙
100