Music encapsulates people's lives, but when this main source of income is taken away, it can create problems financially and emotionally.
Most musicians dream of making it big; playing at Wembley stadium in front of a hundred thousand people. But reality suggests that being successful and furthermore making a living out of this industry can be tough. Support Act is a not-for-profit organisation that has been set up to support professional musicians in crisis. The music industry can be an uncertain and risky industry to be a part of and when injury or illness arises this can quickly become a crisis for the musician.
As the only foundation in Australia helping music professionals in crisis, Support Act offers a wide range of practical advice and financial support. As a part of this, at BigSound this year, Support Act offered free hearing tests in partnership with audiologists Attune, which proved to be very popular with musicians and punters.
A registered charity which has been set up by the music industry to provide a safety net for those that are struggling, Support Act Chief Executive Joanna Cave, goes deeper into the organisation:What were the motivating factors in starting up this organisation?
Support Act was established in recognition that while music is a gift, it is also a career choice replete with risks and pitfalls. When a problem strikes, it can quickly become a crisis. So Support Act was formed to provide a safety net. Eighteen years later, we are the only organisation in Australian helping music professionals in crisis.
What are some of the reasons that someone might contact you for help?
Every story is unique. But common to many people is the challenge of managing on an irregular income, coping with medial issues without insurance and facing retirement without superannuation.
We see a huge range of issues, many of which relate to working long and anti-social hours, carrying heavy equipment, eating unhealthily and experiencing exposure to drugs and alcohol. All of this has an impact on family life, relationships, physical and mental health and general well being.
Loneliness and isolation are realities for many of the people we help: for some people, contact with Support Act is their lifeline. Sadly, many of the people we help are terminally ill. In these cases, our aim is to ensure dignity during the final stages of life.
Is mental illness a big factor within the people that you support?
Mental health problems are common among our service users, just as they are common within the general population. There is still a great deal of stigma surrounding mental illness and our society needs to do more to tackle this. We would also like to see more mental health services available within the community, in addition to hospital settings.
How important is it that musicians have somewhere that they can turn in a crisis?
We think of ourselves as the music industry’s emergency service. We help people who have made a unique contribution to our culture and society, sometimes at enormous personal cost.
How wide and ranging is the gap between people that you support?
We have helped everyone from household names to session musicians and behind-the-scenes crew.
Are there any pre-requisites for people that your organisation supports?
Our aim us to help those most in need and so there are some criteria we apply to every application for help. We ask 5 questions:
1. Have you worked professionally in music (now or in the past) for at least 5 years?
2. Can you provide two professional referees to verify your career?
3. Are you experiencing a crisis which is preventing you from working in music?
4. Are your household expenses more than your income?
5. Are you a permanent resident or citizen of Australia?
If you are able to answer yes to all 5 questions, you qualify for our help.
What can someone expect when they contact you for help?
Anyone contacting us can expect to be treated with respect, compassion and understanding. Our service is completely confidential and we employ a fully accredited social worker who is also a former musician. We have a commitment to processing applications within 7 days so we can help to the people who need it very quickly.
Do you have a message for anyone who needs your help but hasn't made contact yet because they're afraid or anxious?
We understand how hard it can be to ask for help. But please do it. We will make it as painless as possible because we understand. If you're still not sure, ask a friend to make contact on your behalf. The relief you will experience is worth it.
If music is your profession and you're in need of help, or if you would like to donate, visit Support Act or call 1300 731 303.
