Backup is pleased to confirm continued funding for its Mental Health First Aider Courses, which are free to all freelance crew via the AJ Bursary. The courses give freelancers in the UK music and live events industries the chance to receive free Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) training. Provided by fellow industry charity, Music Support, as an MHFA England Instructor Member and taking place over four mornings, the courses are designed to accommodate freelancers’ busy schedules.

“Working in live events can be tough, and sometimes the long hours, high pressure, and uncertainty can take their toll,” says Backup Chair, Lee Dennison. “We all know how vital it is to look out for our industry family on site, on tour, or backstage. The goal is simple, to have at least one trained Mental Health First Aider for every 20 crew members. Someone who can listen, spot the signs, and help a colleague find the right support when it’s needed most.”

The courses are delivered over four half-day sessions, and are open to anyone from the live events, music touring, theatre and broadcast industries. Attendees will learn how to recognise the warning signs of mental ill health and develop the skills and confidence to approach, listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis, and potentially even stop a crisis from happening, and gain an understanding of how to support your own positive wellbeing and tackle stigma in the world around you. The training is generously sponsored by Unusual Rigging, in memory of Alan ‘AJ’ Jacobi – a long-serving Backup trustee and passionate supporter of our industry’s welfare.

“We’re delighted that Backup is continuing to provide funding for industry freelancers,” says Music Support Senior Learning and Development Specialist, Norman Beecher. “We get great feedback from the courses. A recent attendee sent us a message saying ‘I have been blown away by the impact of the course and can’t thank Hannah enough. She got the facts across in a relatable and informed way. She was always approachable if we had questions and made sure we all felt heard and supported. Her frank and open attitude to the subject matter was refreshing and it has really changed my outlook on mental health for the better. Overall – a brilliant course everyone should try and take or at least seek more awareness in’. This is indicative of the general response and a big part what makes it so gratifying to run them.”

If you are a touring or production business, why not discuss this with your freelance teams and recommend they get trained and apply, it could save a life – and don’t forget, it’s free!

For more details and to sign up for an MHFA course / Backup’s AJ Bursary click here and help support your industry colleagues on your next job.