New Booster peer group model supports wellbeing of those working in the arts, culture and events sectors
The Booster peer group model can be implemented within various professional groups. The low-threshold model uses themes, questions and tasks to guide the group forward. Booster is aimed at promoting mental wellbeing, strengthening resources and dealing with stress preventatively.
The model is based training and peer groups activities in which 200 self-employed people and freelancers from the arts, culture and event sectors participated during 2023–2024. The majority of the participants were artists. In its research, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health investigated the effects of group participation on the wellbeing of participants. Previous research data, such as the Arts and Culture Barometer, has also been used in developing the model.
How to organise a Booster peer group
Booster can be implemented either as a self-guided group or as a group set up by an organisation. A self-guided group needs someone to convene the group but is otherwise responsible for its own organisation as a group. In a group set up by an organisation, a designated person within the organisation is responsible for the implementation of the group, including arranging a time and place for the group meetings, and possibly finding a professional to guide the group.
The group can 1) operate as equals, without a designated supervisor, 2) be led by a peer supervisor, or 3) be led by a professional, such as a supervisor or coach.
Booster peer groups can be organised by any of the following:
- Those working in the arts, culture and events sectors, including those who are currently unemployed
- Working groups
- Collectives and communities
- Organizations
- Clubs
- Associations
- Trade unions
- Grant foundations that support the work of professional artists
- Pension insurance companies and pension institutions
Peer groups improve work ability
According to the Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore, artists need support for their occupational wellbeing, as three out of four artists were not covered by occupational health services in 2021, for example.
“There are differences in occupational wellbeing between artists who work alone and those who work in communities. Those who work alone in particular need interaction with peers and feedback on their work,” says Sari Karttunen, Senior Researcher at Cupore.
The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health investigated the effects of participating in coaching and peer groups in the Mental Health Toolkit project by conducting a survey and interviews. Analysis of the responses to the preliminary and follow-up surveys indicated that peer-based group activities support occupational wellbeing. The respondents' assessment of their own work ability and belief in their own abilities developed positively when participating in groups.
“In particular, the respondents’ belief that they were able to recover from the stresses of work and set goals for themselves in their working careers improved. After participating in a group, the respondents also believed that they were able to take care of their wellbeing better than before the group. In addition, the respondents’ perceived energy at work improved,” says Heli Ansio, Specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
“In the group interviews conducted after the coaching and peer groups, it was found that peer-based activities helped the participants to learn from the experiences of others. Participating in groups strengthened their professional identity and appreciation of their own expertise,” Ansio continues.
Additional support activities needed
The coaching and peer groups revealed how much the planned and implemented cuts to culture and art budgets affect the mental wellbeing of freelancers and self-employed people in the sector.
“The funding and employment structures in the arts, culture and events sector should be developed so that more sustainable careers are also possible for self-employed people working in these sectors. Peer-based support alone is not enough,” says Heli Ansio.
The Mental Health Toolkit project of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health is part of Finland's Sustainable Growth Programme. The project is funded by the European Union’s one-time recovery tool (Next Generation EU) via the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health's project partners are the Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike), the Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore, the Finnish Musicians’ Union, and the Trade Union for Theatre and Media Finland, Teme.
Find out more about the Booster peer group model: Booster peer group model | Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
See the research publication: Supporting mental wellbeing and work ability in the arts, culture and events sectors
Further information:
Heli Ansio, Specialist, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 50 468 7335, [email protected]
Katriina Haikala, Artist Expert, Arts Promotion Centre Finland, tel. +358 295 330 805, [email protected]
Sari Karttunen, Senior Researcher, Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore, tel. +358 50 327 1414, [email protected]