As part of the Forester Health Cash Plan offered to PLASA members, which was launched at PLASA 2001, £1 is donated to Light Relief for every new member of the scheme. The scheme, which is being continued at this year's show, offers members a range of cash refunds for basic healthcare needs not funded by the NHS, such as dental treatment, eyesight tests, physiotherapy and reflexology. It also provides much-needed financial help in the event of hospitalisation, an accident or the birth of a child. Whereas private medical insurance is basically a fast-track to treatment, the Cash Plan refunds expenses incurred in meeting the cost of everyday healthcare. For more information, contact krystyna.gibbons@forester.co.uk.
Also during June, Roger Duncan of the STLD (Society of Television Lighitng Directors) passed on a refund of a grant administration fee, and the British Kinematograph Sound & TV Society made a donation thanks to a collection at the recent Production Show.
Light Relief was established by and for the entertainment lighting industry to provide help to lighting designers and others in the entertainment lighting industry when they experience times of extreme hardship. Particularly focused on theatre lighting designers and those working in the field who are not in regular full-time employment, Light Relief gives help in the form of financial or practical support, depending on the individual need.
Contact founder Tony Gottelier on telephone 01732 750617 for more information.
(Lee Baldock)
