The bang was provided by the starter’s pistol as the ‘Day at the Races’ themed quiz night got underway. The DiGiCo quiz night is a celebration of hire companies and the communities they serve, with all proceeds from those attending going towards their two chosen charities, Backup Tech and Stagehand, the PSA’s benevolent fund.

The Quiz represents a chance for suppliers, hire companies, manufactures and businesses to get together in a relaxed environment to connect, do badly at quizzing and most importantly raise money. The evening was a complete success with £14,000 being shared between both charities.

On the night Backup was represented by Lee Dennison, Trustee and Vice Chair, Scott Arnold Trustee, and Sarah James PR, all raising awareness of the way that Backup can help industry professionals and their families. 

“Backup can help, not only with money, but by taking away the pressure of a situation,” Dennison explains. “Whether that is the financial side of things or signposting further assistance for their personal needs. It’s immediate support for members of our industry family that can be delivered exactly when they need it.”

Backup relies on industry fundraising to continue its important work, from offering hardship funds to free training for Mental Health First Aiders, every penny of the money spent has been raised by people who care about the industry, and it is not limited to companies like DiGiCo. Individual industry peers have been working hard to raise funds. Top of the list has to be the amazing Sherry Coenen who ran a hugely successful Save or Shave campaign, raising £5,606.26 for Backup and sending 28 inches of hair to the Princess Trust, a charity that makes real hair wigs for children suffering hair loss through cancer treatment or other illness. Sherry is one of Backup’s most active fundraisers and her latest challenge is very much appreciated.

Looking to the future, the We Make Events team are completing an epic cycle ride from Valencia to Barcelona, arriving just in time for the ISE trade show. This event has raised huge amounts in the past, with £60,000 being raised over the past three years, and is on target to smash its target again in January 2025. 

Backup cannot do anything without the support of the industry. It does not have to be a cash donation, there are many ways to help look after the hard-working people that keep our industry going. Backup Ambassadors are people who feel able to spread the word about the work Backup is doing. Backup’s newest Ambassadors are out in the world sharing information, signposting and ensuring that the people who need help know where to find it.

It is Backup’s aim to train 1 in 20 freelancers to become Mental Health First Aiders. Backup has free courses available via the AJ Bursary. To be eligible for this free training participants must be self-employed, working full-time as a crew member, show or production staff in the live events, theatre and broadcast industries. If you are freelance, check out the website or share with any of your freelance colleagues. There are regular, fully accredited, zoom classes over four half-day sessions, that are delivered by fellow industry charity Music Support.

Music Support also offers bursaries for freelancers to complete the Addiction and Recovery Awareness course. The funding for this bursary comes from Backup, We Need Crew, Massive Attack, Hipgnosis Songs and Rock-it Cargo. The course takes place in a group context online or in person. Check out the Backup website to find out more about both courses.