Backstage with Backup
Backstage with Backup
Podcast Description
Podcasts designed to let you know a bit more about Backup Tech by talking to the people behind the technical entertainment charity, the industry friends it works with, those who have benefitted from its support and sharing the journey's of industry colleagues.Backup Tech (The Technical Entertainment Charity) is the UK’s registered charity that provides financial support to industry technical professionals, crew/production personnel and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment industry including those from live events, theatre and broadcast.To find out more about Backup visit: https://www.backuptech.uk/about-us/
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes such as mental health, recovery, neurodiversity, and the challenges faced by technical professionals in the entertainment sector. For example, episodes discuss the impact of medical issues like accidents and alcohol dependence on careers, and highlight stories such as Jayne Ross's return to work and Erica Basniki's journey of recovery from addiction.
Podcasts designed to let you know a bit more about Backup Tech by talking to the people behind the technical entertainment charity, the industry friends it works with, those who have benefitted from its support and sharing the journey’s of industry colleagues.
Backup Tech (The Technical Entertainment Charity) is the UK’s registered charity that provides financial support to industry technical professionals, crew/production personnel and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment industry including those from live events, theatre and broadcast.
To find out more about Backup visit: https://www.backuptech.uk/about-us/
10 March 2026
Backstage with Backup
E12: Why MHFAider Training for Freelancers Is Important
Guest: Norman Beecher, a Learning and Development Specialist who works with Music Support, the organisation that provides the Mental Health First Aider training Backup funds for freelancers on the technical side of the music industry, and other organisations.
Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and a Backup Tech Trustee. She is proud to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.
In this conversation: Norman tells us about the training Music Support offers, and why it’s so important that as many people are trained as possible.
Episode key topics + chapter markers:
2:52 – Norman talks about his previous and current role at Music Support and with other organisations and what being a Mental Health First Aider helps equips people to do.
12:28 – Sarah asks Norman what made him decide to pursue this as his career and how his lived experiences help in the role.
20:05 – Norman and Sarah discuss the stigma, lack of knowledge and shame that used to surround mental health and addition, how far things have come in terms of awareness and attitudes, but that there is still work to be done.
25:25 – Norman emphasises how important the funding Backup gives for Mental Health First Aider training for freelancers on the technical side of the music industry.
27:00 – Sarah asks Norman what people can expect from Mental Health First Aider training, and how it helps both professionally and in peoples’ everyday lives.
38:30 – Sarah asks Norman if there is any feedback on how effective the course is from the industry at large.
For Info on Backup's AJ Bursary for MHFAider Training and to sign up via Music Support – Click Here
Backup Tech – The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”
How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068
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