StageHand is registered with the UK Charity Commission in addition to the name 'PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund', and donations can be made in either name. The charity is also registered with JustGiving.com, which allows the tax value of donations to be reclaimed under the Gift Aid scheme, boosting the value of individual donations significantly at no extra cost to the donor.
"We don't have many calls on our funds these days, because people have learned that having professional insurance of various types is the sensible way to go," explained trustee Mike Lowe of Britannia Row. "But in certain circumstances it is good to know that there is a fall-back option when a PSA member (or widow or widower) hits a difficult patch."
He adds: " We've recently seen a surge in donations, largely thanks to the efforts and generosity of PSA members and their friends. The need for emergency support at a time of personal crisis will always exist and we intend that StageHand should always be around to offer that helping hand when needed."
The PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund was founded in 1998 with the backing of the Production Services Association on behalf of people working in the UK entertainment production industry. In genuine cases of hardship, the fund may provide small grants for emergency relief when an injury or illness prevents working or forces an unplanned change of career. The fund also aims to support any training and re-training which may be advisable as a result of accident or illness. It would do this by means of small scholarships and bursaries for approved vocational training courses. It is not designed to be a substitute for full insurance cover. It aims to encourage everybody working in the industry, whether PSA members or not, to take responsibility for themselves, or their employees, by researching the options and making the appropriate provision against losing the ability to maintain income levels through accident or illness.
(Jim Evans)
