Backup announces Hardship Fund
- Details
The Hardship Fund will provide financial assistance to crew/production personnel, and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment sector, including those from live events, theatre and TV and film.
The fund has been allocated an initial £200,000, with further fundraising in progress. £100,000 was raised by Backup and its supporters, including #WeMakeEvents, whilst charity Light Relief matched this with a further £100,000.
Backup chairman John Simpson comments: “The technicians and their families in our industry, particularly freelancers, are experiencing incredible hardship at the moment and, with the lack of ongoing financial support from the government, there are many people who are in desperate need of help. As an industry, we are trying to help ourselves, and Backup is now in a position to be able to offer a small measure of assistance. We still need more donations to help many more of our colleagues in distress.”
The first application period is running from 8am on 19 October to 8pm on 30 October and Backup is targeting resources to people who have received no government grants (e.g. from the furlough scheme and self-employment income support scheme) and no grants from other charitable funds (e.g. Theatre Artists Fund, Arts Council, etc.). All successful applicants will receive funds two weeks after the closing date, says the charity.
“Whilst we know this is not a perfect solution, and that there are so many technicians in need of assistance, we are ensuring that we help people who have had no financial support whatsoever first,” adds Simpson. “If funds are available after this first application period, we will look to help people who have received limited government support or other charitable support.”
For details on the hardship fund, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit www.backuptech.uk/apply/hardship-form.
