Charity Reveals Repositioning to Actors’ Trust as It Expands Services in Response to Industry Demand 

• The Actors’ Benevolent Fund repositions as Actors’ Trust and expands vital services in response to industry demand for mental health and financial support
• The next phase of its ‘Acting for Impact’ strategy aims to help more actors and stage management professionals than ever before
• In member feedback, over 90% expressed a desire for the charity to focus on raising its awareness

The Actors’ Benevolent Fund, a charity that has been providing grants to support actors and stage management professionals since 1882, has today announced a repositioning to Actors’ Trust, underpinned by a major expansion of its support services.

The move is a direct response to calls from its members to extend the charity’s reach and to better align with the needs of the industry today; in a survey, over 90% of the charity’s members vocalised a desire for the charity to focus on raising its awareness.

A separate survey of almost 5000 industry professionals revealed three-quarters were unfamiliar with the services offered by the charity.

In the same survey, almost three quarters said they had experienced mental health and wellbeing challenges over the past year. Meanwhile the Big Freelancers Survey 2025, which polled over 1,200 freelancers working predominantly in the theatre, found that 44% were earning less than the National Living Wage. These findings, combined with feedback from its members, have informed the charity’s decision to expand its range of services to better support industry professionals against the challenges they face.

New services being introduced include mental health support, as well as preventative initiatives in the social, financial, career and health spaces. The charity has also announced an extension to its grants, meaning it will now offer financial support to actors and stage management professionals in all situations where they are ‘unable to work for reasons outside of their control’, such as major life events.

It has also improved the accessibility of its services through an enhanced website, offering new digital resources and tools – including an online benefits calculator. The charity has also introduced a new telephone number to provide faster support. 

The charity, which is supported by its Royal Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, and whose ambassadors include Ruth Jones, Christopher Eccleston, Maxine Peake, Danny Sapani, Paul Chahidi and Celia Imrie, already spends over £1m each year helping industry professionals working across sound, stage and screen.

Now, under its ‘Acting for Impact’ strategy which launched last year, the charity is aiming to help more actors and stage management professionals in more ways. The new repositioning is the next phase of this strategy, to achieve meaningful and sustainable change.

Alison Wyman, CEO of Actors’ Trust, explains: “Circumstances are extremely challenging for those in the industry – we’re seeing this in data and we’re hearing it anecdotally from our members. We also heard from our research among members, beneficiaries and supporters that only 28% felt the charity was well known within the industry and that we need to do more to extend our reach.

“For nearly 150 years, we’ve been proud to stand alongside those who bring stories to life on stage and screen. For this legacy to endure, we need to listen to those who we are trying to support, to continue to provide meaningful help exactly where and when it is needed.”

Alex Macqueen, Chair of Actors’ Trust, adds: “These changes are a commitment to strengthening the impact of the charity for years to come – a modern evolution that reflects the needs of the industry today and supports our ‘Acting for Impact’ strategy, to help more people across our industry than ever before.

“We know that at any stage of one’s career there may be times when the show can’t always go on and so our message is simple – we’re here for you.”

Among those supporting the charity is five-time Olivier award-winner, BAFTA award-winner and Oscar-nominated actress, Dame Imelda Staunton.

Known for her on-screen performances in The Crown and Harry Potter, as well as on-stage performances in Hello, Dolly! and Mrs Warren’s Profession, Dame Imelda Staunton adds: “In an unpredictable industry like ours, illness, injury, mental or emotional stress can make life precarious for actors and stage managers. Thankfully Actors’ Trust is there to provide a much- needed safety net for our community and I am proud to support them.”

Sir Ian McKellen, Tony award-winner, six-time Olivier award-winner, and Golden Globe award-winner, has also voiced his support for the charity.

Famous for his roles on screen in The Lord of the Rings series and The Da Vinci Code, as well as on-stage performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Sir Ian McKellen explains: “For nearly 150 years, Actors’ Trust has stood proudly alongside those who bring stories to life on stage and screen. This next chapter is about continuing that legacy and making sure more people know help is out there when they need it.”

For more information on Actors’ Trust and its new services, to apply for a grant, or to make a donation, visit www.actorstrust.org.uk.