A FILMMAKER who started his own company to help other struggling creatives and raise awareness of mental health issues is considering a novel way to improve his colleagues’ wellbeing.

James Hackett of Inspire Creative is pondering how he could grant employees at his small start-up extra days off on top of their annual leave for mental health rest days.

Improving his mental health is what motivated James to start the company in the first place because he hated his day-job and wanted an outlet for his creativity that could help others who struggle with anxiety or depression.

He hired his first staff members and opened a second office during lockdown and is thrilled that he has been able to support people who were in a similar position to him.

The 32-year-old said: “After getting myself into an incredibly scary and dark place one evening, I knew I had to make a change in my life – not only for me, but for my beautiful baby daughter Isla and my incredible wife Natalie who I love so much.

“I now want to help struggling artists in the freelance world or creatives who are working a job that they hate, just like I was, to find full-time creative work with me. I’ve now started to achieve that and it feels incredible.

“This job can be very stressful at times and I fear that businesses need to be a lot more proactive with their approach to mental health.

“We’re only a small-time business in the grand scheme of things but I want to be one of those leading the effort to get mental health recognised more in the workplace.

“You don’t need to suffer with depression to have poor mental health. If it’s all getting too much for you, I’d much rather you took a break without having to worry about losing your annual leave or pay as a result.

“I don’t know if I’m the first business to do this but it just seems like the right thing to do.”

He began the Inspire Series of mental health awareness short films while working on custom-made videos for businesses around Swindon as part of his new business Inspire Creative, which was incorporated in November 2019.

After starting out working from home, he moved into his own office just before lockdown began and has been so busy with clients that he has been able to buy an office in Brighton and hire two employees.

James added: “I started out wanting to help others with their struggles which led me to meet some amazing people and do some work for mental health charities.

“When lockdown started, my business plan had an ambition for a turnover of £40,000. But I’ve seen so much growth since then that we’re now expecting to turn over around £140,000 a year.

“Although we now do a lot of work commercially, mental health is still incredibly important to me. I can’t speak for everybody, but if you’ve been struggling with your mental health before or during lockdown, a better life is out there. If you’re passionate about something and want to make it a career, go for it.”

James is looking to open up more branches around the UK and employ six staff by the end of this year. He hopes to turn his start-up story into a film made by Swindonians who have gone through their own mental health struggles.

Anyone interested should email hello@getinspired.media

James added: “I’d like to extend the invitation to anybody that fits that category to come and get involved, even if you have no film experience and just want to help out on set, you’re welcome here and you will be surrounded by people who have empathy for what you’re going through.”