The Californer - Women-Led Entertainment Business Collective Announces The Launch Of Team Focused Wellness Initiative

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LOS ANGELES - Californer -- The 'Substance Abuse Mental Health Educational Learning Program' (SAMHELP) Initiative was launched during Mental Health Awareness Month led by artist advocate and music business professional Samantha Juels, talent manager and consultant Janie Jennings, sports industry professional Eleni Bedard, and talent agency professional Joya Rankins. Supported by an expanded network of entertainment industry professionals, SAMHELP focuses on teaching teams how to access appropriate substance abuse and mental health resources and create a better support system for entertainers.

The SAMHELP initiative was created to build a better understanding of the nuances of the entertainment business and how to more effectively interact with clientele when working in talent-facing roles. SAMHELP founder Samantha Juels says, "I've been told in a professional setting that caring too much about my artist clients is not good for business or the bottom line and I feel like caring about artists actually supports the bottom line". She goes on to explain that when the bottom line is revenue generation, it is important to remember that revenue stops when talent is not healthy, stable, and supported. Juels hopes that SAMHELP will form a clear understanding of the need for internal support with current professionals, while also building a new standard for incoming generations of industry professionals that will assist in creating a more powerful industry work environment.

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SAMHELP will activate in two primary formats: University Workshops for incoming professionals that utilize internal campus resources (Diversity & Inclusion, Wellness Center, Counseling Center, and Medical Schools or Emergency Services), each with their own training activation, that can be held regularly with or without engaging the SAMHELP team. Additionally during GRAMMY week in Los Angeles for established professionals via a conference-style event that amplifies available resources and information valuable to various roles from licensed professionals who are experienced in working with talent. Both formats of activation will also include hands-on training related to overdose and emergency response as well as stress management and wellness.

SAMHELP Initiative is starting with the music business because that is Juels' primary lane; however, as someone who grew up in a family and friendship circle of athletes she is looking forward to launching mirrored programming for sports later in the year. She says "it is important that we acknowledge the similarities in the music and sports businesses, talent is talent and both industries are severely lacking when it comes to genuine support. We are all in a business where we have to support each other to succeed and I am excited to engage my friends to build something that improves their industry as well".

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